Turia blames PM for 'humiliating' car ride

By HELEN TUNNAH

Tariana Turia has blamed Helen Clark for her public humiliation when she was caught by television cameras cowering in the back of the Prime Minister's limousine.

But Helen Clark's spokeswoman said Mrs Turia was responsible for her own actions.

Ill-feeling between the two women has been evident since Mrs Turia said on Friday that she intended resigning from Labour and Parliament.

She didn't tell the Prime Minister first, and the pair have not spoken since Mrs Turia's odd backseat ride from Premier House on Tuesday.

Damaging images of Mrs Turia lying across the seat were broadcast in slow motion, leaving her furious.

She was also annoyed at the publicising of an option put to her that she avoid crossing the floor and simply stay away from Parliament this week when the seabed and foreshore legislation is voted on.

Mrs Turia said the Prime Minister had made her look like a fool.

She felt the image of her lying in the backseat of the car, hands covering her face, had been manipulated by Helen Clark.

That was rejected by Helen Clark through her spokesman yesterday, who said Mrs Turia's claims were exaggerated.

He said Helen Clark had suggested Mrs Turia might want to "duck" her head when the car slipped out of the gates at Premier House, because she knew television crew were waiting.

"No one told her to lie down on the seat," said Helen Clark's spokesman.

"She's a grown-up; she can make up her own mind."