By VERNON SMALL
Common decency - or just self-preservation? Whatever the reason, politicians from the left and right linked arms yesterday in a plea not to let utu thrust politicians' private lives into the spotlight in the wake of Dover Samuels' sacking.
Some Labour MPs, led by Titirangi member David Cunliffe, have pledged revenge against Act leader Richard Prebble, whom they blame for raising the allegations against Mr Samuels that led to his sacking from the cabinet on Wednesday.
But senior Labour sources are playing down the calls to fight dirt with dirt. They say that while a lot of people are angry, there will be no concerted attempt to seek revenge on Mr Prebble.
Speaking in an urgent debate, Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton and Mr Prebble called for cool heads.
"This House should pause for thought about where we are heading," Mr Anderton said.
"A war of sleaze is a war that no one will win."
The Alliance leader said there was a line that should not be crossed, and stepping over it would set the standard for office too high.
"It must be possible for MPs to leave behind their past at some point."
A subdued Mr Prebble had barely begun speaking when Mr Samuels pointedly walked out of the chamber.
The Act leader said he agreed with Mr Anderton. He did not regard Labour, the Government or a race of people to be on trial because of the Samuels scandal.
He described himself as a reluctant participant in the allegations against Mr Samuels of improper sexual conduct with a teenager about 14 years ago.
Mr Prebble said he had reached out to the woman who had the relationship with Mr Samuels, unlike Labour, which had denigrated her family when it first heard the allegations.
"That woman has been deeply hurt," he said.
Finance Minister Michael Cullen said he hoped he would never be the subject of false allegations.
He recalled how a journalist had threatened to put a private investigator on to him unless he spilled the beans during a difficult time in his life.
Colleagues across the political divide and press gallery journalists had been supportive.
"That is finished now."
Dr Cullen added mysteriously that he hoped no MP had been to a brothel or had more shares than they could justify from their earnings.
Even as MPs spoke nobly about the need to avoid a war of sleaze, the most aggrieved were privately talking of stockpiling ammunition in the bottom drawer.
It just remains to see if anyone will be brave or foolhardy enough to resume hostilities.
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