Cabinet minister's day of shame

As days go it could not have got much worse for Cabinet minister Trevor Mallard - a guilty plea in court, followed by a public apology in Parliament.
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Mr Mallard sat in Wellington District Court yesterday and pleaded guilty to a charge of fighting in a public place.

He was convicted and ordered to pay $500 to the Salvation Army Bridge programme that deals with alcohol and drug dependency.

He then crossed the road to Parliament where he apologised to Erin Leigh, the former Environment Ministry communications contractor who he had accused of incompetence after she raised concerns about political interference.

Mr Mallard made the surprise guilty plea during his second court appearance in a private prosecution against him by Miramar accountant Graham McCready.

The plea, which was negotiated during the hearing, has allowed Mr Mallard to escape the more serious assault charge, which carries a criminal record. The prosecution against Mr Mallard followed his altercation with National MP Tau Henare in October in a lobby at Parliament. Mr Henare had made jibes in the House about Mr Mallard's private life, with the veteran Labour MP then punching Mr Henare.

Outside the court, Mr Mallard said he was really pleased it was over before Christmas. He was not proud of his involvement in the whole matter. Mr Mallard's action drew kind words from Mr Henare last night who said the issue was over when he graciously apologised. "I just wish him and his whanau a very nice holiday."

Mr McCready, facing dozens of tax-related charges himself, said outside court he was happy with the outcome.

He was criticised earlier by Mr Mallard's lawyer Robert Lithgow, QC, who asked the judge for the charge to be dismissed saying he did not accept Mr McCready's "country boy performance".

In Parliament, Mr Mallard moved to clear the decks before Christmas by saying sorry to Ms Leigh. "On reflection, I now believe it was not wise to make those comments. I apologise to her." He had used parliamentary privilege to launch a personal attack on her after she said Climate Change Minister David Parker ordered the ministry to employ Labour Party activist Clare Curran in 2006.