Prime Minister Helen Clark had always been warmly welcomed at music award events, Parliament was told yesterday when National tried to take over pop icon Neil Finn's criticism of her.
FINN BLASTS CLARK'S SUPPORT OF MUSIC INDUSTRY
Finn, who was made an OBE in 1993, said in Real Groove magazine "it sort of makes me sick to see Helen Clark getting up at the music awards and taking the bows".
Miss Clark declined to comment, saying she was not going to get into a personal row with Finn, but National MP Chris Finlayson took the issue to Parliament at question time.
Miss Clark was not there and Associate Arts and Culture Minister Judith Tizard answered for her when Mr Finlayson wanted to know why the Government was interfering with the arts and why Miss Clark made "self-serving speeches" at music awards.
"The Government has never interfered in the art of music or into the business of music," Ms Tizard said.
"I think what people do at music awards is often try to look hip and I have to say the prime minister looked rather hipper than Don Brash ever did and was very warmly welcomed," she said.
Mr Finlayson suggested Miss Clark had been causing a fraction too much friction.
"I'm pleased the member knows a few 1970s and '80s song titles and suggest he comes up to speed," said Ms Tizard.
Source : http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4046982a4500.html
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