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Former All Black Grahame Thorne, under pressure to resign from the Nelson City Council for not attending meetings, says he would like to but needs the money to look after his disabled son.
Mr Thorne has apologised to Nelson ratepayers for his absence at council meetings but wants to stay on, the Nelson Mail reported yesterday.
He has not attended regular meetings since his son David suffered a stroke after a club rugby game in May last year.
His son has since suffered more strokes, making him incapable of living normally and in need of special care.
The family are now living in Christchurch, where David is undergoing rehabilitation.
Mr Thorne, a former National MP for Onehunga in Auckland, is still getting his $26,674 council salary.
He said it was a moral dilemma. "I might be seen as selfish, but because of David I'm unable to get a job."
Councillors censured Mr Thorne at a full council meeting on March 1 and refused to accept his apology.
Nelson Residents Association secretary Ken Meredith said Mr Thorne's excuse was "pathetic" and he was not impressed.
- NZPA
