Locke backs Defence Chief against Aussie attack

Green MP Keith Locke has defended the Anzac Day speech given by the Chief of the NZ Defence Force against an attack by Greg Sheridan, a columnist for The Australian newspaper.

"Surely, after 90 years, we can admit that New Zealand was drawn into the Gallipoli debacle because of our nation's 'imperial subservience', as Air Marshal Ferguson puts it," said Mr Locke, the Green Party's defence spokesperson.

"Behind Sheridan's insult, that Ferguson's speech was 'politically-correct adolescent pouting', lies a very relevant debate. Sheridan justifies the Anzacs being sent to slaughter in Gallipoli by saying it was in our 'vital national interest' to go with the British.

"There is a sharp contrast between Sheridan's view that we must have a protector (at that time Britain, now America), and Ferguson's view that 'we must shake off the shackles of colonial dependence; we must stand for what we believe in'.

Mr Locke said New Zealand would not go to war just to please an imperial protector. He contrasted that policy with Australia's decision to join the United States-led invasion of Iraq.

"The fact that Air Marshall Ferguson felt he could make such a challenging speech symbolizes our maturing nationhood.

"We can, as the Chief of Defence Force said, take pride in the gallantry of our men, but at the same time admit that 'there was no glory 90 years ago; rather we look back now and see the tragedy of their sacrifice.'"