Should John Key 'watch his language'?

12:28 PM Tuesday Nov 6, 2012

Prime Minister John Key. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Veteran actor Ian McKellen has told Prime Minister John Key his "careless" use of the word "gay" as a criticism could damage lives.

Key is under fire for using the word "gay" to describe a red top worn by The Farming Show presenter Jamie Mackay in an interview given on the same day he reportedly called footballer David Beckham "thick as bats***". Key has sinced denied using the word.

"You're munted mate. You're never going to make it. You've got that gay red top on," he told Mackay.

Sir Ian, who plays Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings series and upcoming The Hobbit trilogy, said Key's language reflected badly on New Zealand.

"Mr Key should watch his language," he said.

Should John Key 'watch his language'? Here is a selection of Your Views:

stuart (South Korea) | 12:57PM Tuesday, 06 Nov 2012

Better that he says what he thinks, the public need to know. But the Beckham comment shows a lack of class. David Beckham is both much wealthier and much more widely respected than Key, a combination of talent, application and good manners. And unlike Key he doesn't suffer from selective Alzheimers.

ST (Auckland Central) | 12:57PM Tuesday, 06 Nov 2012

As a parent, he could set an example to his children, not the other way around.

If Key wouldn't use "n*****" carelessly, then he oughtn't use "gay" carelessly as well. Ditto name-calling, or shaming.

john (New Zealand) | 12:57PM Tuesday, 06 Nov 2012

Homosexuals did not invent the word gay, nor exclusive use of it. It was around for centuries. They hijacked it for their community to soften the dictionary word for their lifestyle choice. I do not find this word use wrong as word use gets reinvented constantly. What I find offensive is this english old man demanding even more Political Correctness at a time when we are all sick of it. Key used in in a playful way, and not a demeaning way. Some people look to be offended all the time.