Ignorance of law no excuse for Barclay, PM

‘‘BARCLAY unaware of illegality: PM’’ (ODT, 23.6.17). What a lame duck excuse from the Prime Minister. It is a wellestablished legal principle that ignorance of the law is no excuse.

Parliament is responsible for making the laws we all have to live by and the citizens have the right to expect that members of Parliament should know what the law is.

It has been reported that Mr Barclay holds a degree in commercial law and, being a member of Parliament, both he and the Prime Minister should know better than anybody what the law is.

The excuse proffered by the Prime Minister simply displays the arrogance of this Government and the National Party who happily operate as though they are above the law. And Mr Barclay continues to suck on the public purse right to the very end.

John F. Cuttance

Port Chalmers

IN light of Todd Barclay’s recent public statements reported on TV and in the ODT regarding recordings made in his electorate office, could he please clarify his perception of misleading the public — and lying to the public?

Coincidentally, and while on the same subject, I see that his predecessor, Bill English, is developing the same problem in remembering who told him what and when, just like his predecessor John Key did, on an asrequired basis.

There must be something about politics which allows and encourages individual flexibility regarding the meaning of words and/or lapses of memory when confronted with unpalatable questions.

I. G. Smith

Mosgiel [This letter was referred to Todd Barclay for comment, but his office declined to respond.]

Politics

WORDS worth remembering in the days before we go to the polls to elect our parliamentary representatives: ‘‘Good evening. I know nothing. We, the media, the experts, the pundits, know nothing.’’ — Jon Snow, Channel 4 News (Britain), June 9.

Clarke Isaacs

Sunshine ...................................

BIBLE READING: Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him. — Revelations 1.7.