Clarkson ticked off for 'crotch' comment

"Unwise" remarks to a television reporter by National's Tauranga candidate, Bob Clarkson, have earned him a ticking off from party president Judy Kirk.

Just a week ago Mr Clarkson couldn't put a foot wrong and was poised to wrest the seat from New Zealand First leader Winston Peters.

But on Monday he found himself defending allegations of historic sexual harassment -- allegations revealed by Mr Peters and which gathered momentum during the week.

Mr Clarkson rejected them but yesterday did nothing to bolster his case with his comments to TV3 reporter Sarah Gregory, who had gone into his office seeking an interview.

"They declined to speak on camera but at one point Bob Clarkson, amazingly, said to me 'I'm having to stand up, my crotch is so sore', and actually grabbed his crotch," Gregory said.

"I was really surprised that he would react in that way and also, I think, (National MP) Tony Ryall and his campaign manager also were.

"They both put their heads in their hands and groaned and told him to be quiet."

Mrs Kirk today said Mr Clarkson had an "earthy" sense of humour but that his comments were unwise.

"Bob Clarkson is a bit of a hard case. He's a local personality and very popular in the electorate," she told National Radio.

"He is a hard case but I do think it was unwise. I'll be talking to Mr Clarkson."

- NZPA