Clark makes another peace offering

By JOHN ARMSTRONG political editor

The Prime Minister has made a further effort to heal wounds in Washington created by her remarks on the war with Iraq, this time praising United States President George W. Bush as an "engaging and likeable person".

"It was not my intention to personally offend him in any way," Helen Clark said yesterday.

On Friday, she apologised to the United States for suggesting the war might not have happened had Democrat Al Gore been in the White House instead of Mr Bush.

The apology was prompted by blunt advice from New Zealand's ambassador in Washington, John Wood, who phoned her to describe the reaction the Al Gore comment had caused within parts of the Republican Administration.



Questioned yesterday at her post-Cabinet press conference, she again apologised "for any offence created".

"No offence whatsoever was intended, offence was taken, perception becomes reality.

"You deal with the perception and on that basis I have made it clear I apologise for any offence created."

However, she added she was a politician, not a diplomat.

"I take a strong, front-footing leadership position ... People are usually in no doubt what I mean about things."

Herald Feature: Iraq war