Tamihere bid for Cabinet backed by unlikely 'ally'

John Tamihere's bid for a swift return to the Cabinet has received a leftfield endorsement from Maori Party rival Pita Sharples.

Dr Sharples said he looked forward to heading into combat over the Tamaki Makaurau seat, but did not really have a "public opinion" about the Serious Fraud Office clearing Mr Tamihere of financial impropriety.

But he found it odd that Prime Minister Helen Clark had not reinstated him to the Cabinet.

"If he's innocent, why isn't he back as a minister? If he's been exonerated surely he should be back in his old portfolios."

Mr Tamihere was keeping a low profile yesterday, after he and other Labour MPs were told to keep quiet about the issue.

Helen Clark signalled on Tuesday that she did not expect him back in the Cabinet until after the election, a delay which Mr Tamihere and his supporters believe is unfair.

The MP has been hoping public calls for his return might change her mind and there were several yesterday. Dr Sharples' support is unexpected and, as it transpires, unwelcome.

"The last thing I need is an endorsement from Pita Sharples. He was hunting with the pack that framed the hit," Mr Tamihere said.

He would not elaborate further, except to say Dr Sharples had been briefed on the allegations against him from within the Waipareira Trust.

"Although to his credit, he did not engage in the attack," he said.

Dr Sharples said the allegations would not surface in his campaign.

"What John does and his track record stands on its own merits.

"I hope that any battles we might have had won't come into it either."

Dr Sharples said Mr Tamihere had widespread Pakeha support, but he believed he had greater Maori support.

He conceded Mr Tamihere had polled extremely well in the Maori seat - adding that his ability to secure funding while at Waipareira had helped - but said the mood had now changed.

"He and the others have committed the ultimate sin, an about-turn on [protecting the Maori] right to exist and have a voice as a people."

Ngati Porou leader Apirana Mahuika and Te Atiawa's Peter Love said Mr Tamihere should be reinstated to the Cabinet immediately.