Fit-again Peters straight back into political fray

Winston Peters enjoys his first day back. Picture / Mark Mitchell

It was just like Winston Peters never went away.

Yesterday marked the return to Parliament of the Minister of Foreign Affairs after extended sick leave in Rarotonga. Without missing a beat, he was straight back into action and firing at two of his favourite targets - the National Party and the media.

Although he had been seriously ill after contracting a mystery illness during a trip to an Association of South East Asian Nations regional forum in Malaysia last month, Mr Peters - who said he was "not strictly" obeying doctors orders by being back at work - displayed few signs of poor health.

He quickly restored himself to the spotlight by asking the Minister of Justice if the proper authorities would be investigating a series of alleged election spending misdeeds by the National Party - questions greeted with howls of protest from the Opposition benches.

To a comment from National MP Nick Smith that Mr Peters had been away too long, the minister shot back: "Yes, but I never lost my mind like you did," a reference to Dr Smith taking stress leave soon after his short stint as National's deputy leader.

Speaker Margaret Wilson intervened at that point with a firm "Please, members," followed by, "And may I say welcome back," to Mr Peters.

The New Zealand First leader - who has a testy relationship with the media - took the unusual step of trying to avoid journalists waiting for him as he went into Parliament.

However, he was not quite so quick on his feet on the way back to his office. When asked if he was fit and well, he replied: "I could probably give you guys a run for your money."

He then tried to get into a Bowen House lift, only to be joined by TV3 reporter Duncan Garner and Newstalk ZB political editor Barry Soper.

Mr Peters stepped back out and watched the doors close shut on the two journalists' microphones, before trying to get into the next lift.

As it arrived, even more farcical scenes ensued, as a security guard tried to bar journalists from entering it, only to prevent Labour MP George Hawkins from getting into the lift with Mr Peters.

If his health holds up, the minister plans a visit to the United Nations and Europe shortly.