Sainsbury touted as new Holmes

By AINSLEY THOMSON

The new tip as replacement for Paul Holmes is TVNZ veteran Mark Sainsbury.

The One News political editor - known for his walrus moustache and good humour - is being mentioned by insiders as a strong contender.

Sainsbury, speaking to the Herald from the United States where he has been covering the presidential election, said: "You never rule anything out. They [TVNZ] are looking at what to do with the slot and it will be interesting to see what Bill [Ralston] decides to do."

A TVNZ employee since 1981, Sainsbury said he had been flat out in the US and he would assess the presenting role properly next week.

"I have known Paul a long time and he is a friend of mine. I presume there will be a fair number of people interested in his job."

Sainsbury has worked on programmes including Close Up, Assignment and Holmes during his 23-year career at TVNZ.

Meanwhile, Holmes sponsor Charlie's said it was stopping its sponsorship of the new Close Up at 7.

Charlie's picked up the sponsorship deal after Mitsubishi pulled out following Holmes' "cheeky darkie" comments about United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on his radio breakfast show. .


The favourites

* Mark Sainsbury joins a growing list of people being touted as candidates to front TV One's 7pm slot.

* Others include John Campbell, Kim Hill, Anita McNaught, Susan Wood and Eric Young.