4:00 PM
Dover Samuels has been sacked as Maori Affairs Minister.
Prime Minister Helen Clark says she had no option but to make the decision because, under the current circumstances, she felt the minister could not fulfil his duties.
Mr Samuels is at the centre of a police investigation into allegations he had a sexual relationship with a teenage girl 14 years ago.
Miss Clark says while the police investigation has yet to be completed, she had already decided that Mr Samuels could not do his job properly with several allegations hanging over him.
The Prime Minister referred to new allegations of an abusive relationship, assault and a threat to shoot.
She says the issue is bigger than Mr Samuels and his determination to defend his reputation.
Mr Samuels was given every opportunity to resign, she said, but he had chosen not to do so.
No decision has been made yet on who will be the next Maori Affairs minister.
Parekura Horomia will continue as acting Minister of Maori Affairs in the interim.
Bulletin supplied by IRN Limited © 2000 IRN Limited
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