National keeps its man out of range

National's foreign affairs spokesman, Lockwood Smith, was sidelined by his own party yesterday in a radio debate with counterparts from other parties.

Deputy leader Gerry Brownlee took his place on National Radio in a bid to deny Foreign Minister Phil Goff live ammunition to rark up embarrassing attacks on National over its nuclear policy.

Dr Smith has previously been at the centre of damaging controversy over the issue, most recently this month when Mr Goff revealed in Parliament that Dr Smith had suggested to a group of visiting United States senators that a United States think-tank could help sway public opinion on the issue.

Dr Smith is thought to be unhappy about being sidelined.

Mr Brownlee told the Herald Dr Smith had been in a car somewhere - he thought the Wairarapa - and couldn't make it.

In the debate, Mr Brownlee confirmed National's position that there would be no change to anti-nuclear legislation without a referendum.

Mr Goff, however, raised the fact that Mr Brownlee, in January 2003, had written a newspaper article advocating the end of the ban on nuclear-powered ships.

To a question on whether National would send troops to Iraq if it were asked, Mr Brownlee replied "unequivocally no".

Speaking in Dunedin, National leader Don Brash said there was some concern Dr Smith would be "set up" by Mr Goff and it had been sensible to replace him.

But he "absolutely" retained confidence in him.

Asked if he would be foreign minister in a National-led Government, Dr Brash said it was difficult to talk with certainty about any portfolio given that coalition discussions with others would have to take place.

He also referred to reports that some people in other parties had wanted particular portfolios.

The Herald has reported that United Future leader Peter Dunne wants to be foreign minister.

It has also been reported that some in National would want to offer the post to New Zealand First leader Winston Peters if his party were in coalition with National.

- additional reporting: Ruth Berry