National heavyweights go to battle stations over ship sale

A verbal sparring match has broken out between two former National Party defence ministers over the sale of the Navy vessel Charles Upham.

Although war has not officially been declared, battle lines appear to have been drawn between Queenstown Mayor Warren Cooper and National's defence spokesman, Max Bradford, former National allies.

Rather than attacking the Government over the sale, Mr Bradford instead launched a broadside at Mr Cooper, accusing him of "historical revisionism of the worst sort" over claims he made on television news on Monday night about the Charles Upham.

He claimed Mr Cooper said that had he known the Charles Upham would be a "lemon" he would never have agreed to its purchase.

Mr Cooper had also said he was not told a $35 million refit was necessary.

"On checking, I find Mr Cooper was advised at the time he approved the purchase that a refit of the ship to convert it to a military sealift vessel was part of the decision," Mr Bradford said.

Mr Cooper has rejected Mr Bradford's claims, saying he was fully aware of what the vessel would require when it was bought in 1994 and had never claimed otherwise.

"When I want a lesson in history it won't be given to me by Max Bradford," he said.

"I was fully aware of the cost of the refit when the vessel was purchased.

"I was responsible for the presentation of the cabinet papers and I know the content of them.

"The fact is that we needed a vessel and I pushed for it with vigour.

"It was the right thing to do at the time and still is, and it's necessary particularly now, when we appear to be buying 104 armoured personnel carriers which we'll depend on and will need reliable and available sea transport for," he said.

Mr Cooper also offered Mr Bradford a chance to withdraw without being injured in a verbal battle.

"Mr Bradford would be wise to not quote me out of context unless, of course, he desires a public slanging match with a strong National Party supporter."

The Charles Upham, named after the only soldier to win the Victoria Cross twice in the Second World War, has been sold for $8.7 million, well below its cost of $14 million.

Another $7 million was spent on modifications in 1995.

It was never used for its intended role as a transport ship because of its instability in rough seas, and spent most of its life freighting oranges around the Mediterranean.

- NZPA