MPs get 'last hurrah' at taxpayers' cost

MPs get 'last hurrah' at taxpayers' cost

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Miss Clark said the annual tour usually went to places that diplomats had identified as important, but ministers and the Governor-General were unlikely to get to.

ACT leader Rodney Hide, who has been on a previous Speaker's tour to Latin America, told NZPA today he felt the trips were worthwhile and that the MPs on it would make a contribution.

He believed the political parties had decided to send MPs who were retiring at the election because it was a busy election year.

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Rodney reasoning stands up to a degree . The problem with Rodney reasoning is that only one MP will be around after the election to build upon any new relationships. I know it is an election year but I hold the view that since tax payer dollars are at work MPs who are standing for re election should have gone on the trip.

MPs who are fairly high on there party's list could have made the trip this would have eased some of the pressure on the MPs who are aiming to keep there jobs and made a better use of tax payer dollars.

While Asia must be NZ main concern building diplomatic and trade relationship in Eastern Europe could lead to greater market access for our exporters .

NZ already has an trade agreement with Russia which is a stepping stone in the right direction but that is whole other can of worms.

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