PM reserved on Hawkins' future

Prime Minister Helen Clark yesterday refused to say whether Police Minister George Hawkins would keep the job if Labour formed the next government.

Mr Hawkins is perceived as one of the Government's weakest ministers. He was present at the community police announcement but Helen Clark and Justice Minister Phil Goff fielded most of the questions.

Helen Clark said that there were many people with aspirations, but not all could be in the Cabinet.

Pressed, she said: "I have been very happy to have George Hawkins in my Cabinet as Police Minister."