National leader dodges direct questions
WELLINGTON: Simon Bridges is continuing to avoid answering some questions around allegations made by JamiLee Ross into the handling of political donations.
Mr Bridges refused to directly answer questions on NewstalkZB yesterday afternoon about the donations.
The National Party leader was asked if he received a $100,000 donation from businessman Yikun Zhang, but said he would not ‘‘dignify’’ Mr Ross’ claims.
Mr Bridges was pressed on the topic and asked to directly answer with a ‘‘yes or no’’ if he was offered the donation.
After dodging the question several times, Mr Bridges concluded it was time for Mr Ross to front up to his allegations.
‘‘He should go to the police now. He should hand everything he has and he should make it public,’’ Mr Bridges said.
Mr Bridges also avoided direct questions about the sexual harassment allegations-- reputedly made against Mr Ross.
‘‘Did you or did you not say to him there were allegations from four women about sexual harassment?’’ he was asked.
Mr Bridges ignored the question and said, ‘‘this isn’t just about a leak investigation. Actually, there’s a serious pattern of behaviour in relation to JamiLee Ross’’.
‘‘I took that to caucus and I talked about those things and caucus had a strong discussion about those matters.
‘‘I’m not though going to go through and detail for you what the inappropriate serious behaviour is because I don’t think that is in anyone’s interest.’’