Key ‘loose-as-a-goose’ in bugging claim

Prime Minister John Key has weighed in on the All Blacks bugging debacle – and come under fire from the Opposition in the process.

When Key was drawn into the speculation of how the listening device could have made its way into the rugby team quarters – or who could have done it – he revealed that he himself had been a victim of bugging. Key said he was under the expectation he was being recorded in some instances.

But these revelations didn’t move Labour leader Andrew Little – who doubted the prime minister had been bugged in New Zealand.

‘‘It’s classic loose-as-a-goose John Key,’’ Little said. ‘‘I have to say I doubt very much whether he’s been bugged certainly internally in New Zealand. What happens overseas, particularly visiting foreign countries, who would know?

‘‘But it’s typical John Key – say something outlandish that who knows whether it’s true or not and see what happens. And that’s what he’s done on this occasion.

‘‘I don’t trust him when he says he’s been bugged in New Zealand. And he knows he can say that and then not have to give any evidence because then he’ll claim that there’s confidentiality and security interests and all the rest of it.’’

Key would not go into details on where he had been bugged, but continued to reiterate that the devices were easy to get hold of. ‘‘In some instances I wouldn’t know who’s behind it and I certainly wouldn’t comment even if I did know. I’m just saying it’s widespread.’’

When questioned on whether the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) would lend their expertise to the All Blacks investigation, Key said it was up to the police to handle. There had been no request from the rugby union.