Craig wants pay for poem
Colin Craig appears to have claimed ownership of a poem allegedly written for his former press aide, Rachel MacGregor, and now wants money for it.
WhaleOil blogger Cameron Slater posted the poem, Two of Me, on his site in July — the day Mr Craig stepped down as Conservative Party leader.
In an email to the blogger on Monday evening, Mr Craig claimed a “clear breach of copyright” and asked Slater for a retraction, a written apology and $3000 per month for the display of his work to the public. “Further to the matter of copyright which is in dispute between us. I advise that my previous offer to settle this matter is withdrawn. I also advise that in respect of the publication of my work I require the following ... ”
Mr Craig then listed the three demands and attached an invoice of $15,000.
“I see that this matter is to go before the disputes tribunal in the New Year. I look forward to their judgment on this matter,” he said in conclusion.
Craig, who is married, has denied he sexually harassed Ms MacGregor but has admitted inappropriate behaviour.
Part of Craig’s Two of Me poem reads: “There is only one of me it’s true, but I wish this were not the case, because I wish that I could have you.”
Slater replied to Mr Craig’s email yesterday and, copying in media, said: “Dear Colin, This has to be the most bizarre email I have ever received.”
Last night Mr Craig told the Herald he was happy to leave it as a matter before the courts.