Simon Power quitting politics - Key losing touch with his party...

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Labour questions Power's explanation for quitting politics - Key losing touch with his party.

The Labour Party leader is questioning whether problems within Cabinet are behind fourth-ranked minister Simon Power's decision to quit politics.

The MP for Rangitikei, who holds the justice, commerce and state-owned enterprises portfolios, says he wants to explore opportunities in the private sector.

Prime Minister John Key said he was stunned and flabbergasted when Mr Power told him he would stand down at the election. He said Mr Power had the potential to be leader of the National Party.

Labour leader Phil Goff says it's very unusual for a first-time minister with a high ranking to leave politics. He expressed doubts about the simple explanation being offered for Mr Power's announcement.

But Mr Power said through a spokesman that suggestions of a split in Cabinet are laughable. He said there had been no ructions in caucus or Cabinet with Mr Power and his colleagues were shocked about his decision.

He has had a gutsful of neanderthal fscists in the National Party.

Acknowledgements: © 2011, Radio New Zealand

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Robin Bain was found not guilty - not innocent...

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The Government has refused a financial settlement offer from David Bain's legal team...

A proposed financial settlement from David Bain's legal team has been rejected by the Government.

Mr Bain's lawyer Michael Reed, QC, says the settlement would have cost the taxpayer much less than an estimated $10 million fight for compensation.

Mr Bain, who was last year found not guilty of the 1994 murders of his parents and siblings after spending 13 years in prison, is looking to get legal aid to fund his compensation bid.

Mr Reed says they offered the Government a shortcut, but Justice Minister Simon Power says this is not possible as there are no such options in Cabinet guidelines.

The compensation being sought is expected to be in excess of $1 million.

The legal team also plans to seek inheritance money from Mr Bain's parents which went to other family members following his 1995 conviction. 



KR says: "He's not entitled to compensation. He was found not guilty - not innocent. To be innocent he will have to prove his father Robin murdered his family and committed suicide. He didn't because Robin Bain did it!"


Acknowledgements::
© 2010 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

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