Party won't affirm 'I'm back' boast

By STAFF REPORTERS

Confusion surrounds the status of New Zealand First's on-again, off-again candidate Suzanne Bruce on the eve of the election.

Mrs Bruce, who resigned after revelations that she was to face tax charges, said yesterday that the party council had this week reaffirmed her candidacy.

But no one on the council could confirm the decision.

Party leader Winston Peters would only say the position was "the same as when we started," president Doug Wollerton said he could not comment and secretary Margaret Green said council decisions were confidential.

The high-profile Rangitikei candidate is seventh on the party list and could be eligible for a seat if NZ First wins enough party votes.

Since the controversy erupted, Mrs Bruce has twice issued statements indicating she will not pursue a seat in this election.

Electoral laws meant she was unable to have her name struck off the ballot paper because nominations had closed.

Last week, Mr Peters hinted that if NZ First was entitled to seven or more MPs, Mrs Bruce would resign, leaving her place to the next person on the list.

Mrs Bruce said yesterday that her campaign had been rekindled by the council.

"It's great after what I have been through. I'm back."

She said the announcement that she had withdrawn was based on concerns the dirt thrown at her would stick to the party.

She was charged with filing false GST returns in conjunction with her husband, Barry Jinkinson. The couple are due to appear in court three days after the election. Mrs Bruce has said she will defend the charges.

Mr Peters and Mrs Bruce have alleged they were set up, with the charges being made public to damage the party.

Mr Peters said yesterday there would be an arrest over the saga soon, but Palmerston North police said they were unsure what Mr Peters was talking about.

It is understood that the only investigation with any connection to the Bruce case involves a complaint of theft of cattle from the couple's farm. No arrests are imminent.