Bob the Builder earns support, disgust

Bob Clarkson

In Tauranga, reaction to the latest controversial comments by local MP Bob Clarkson is mixed, but certainly not muted.

The Herald yesterday spoke to more than a dozen people in the lunchtime crowd on Devonport Rd, the city's main shopping street, finding disgust at Mr Clarkson's comments about Muslims and homosexuals, but an equal level of support for the no-holds-barred National MP.

"He's just saying a lot of true things," said Val Prangnell, 70, of Omokoroa.

Mrs Prangnell said Mr Clarkson was right to criticise Muslim women wearing burqas in New Zealand, saying when she and her husband, Harry, moved from England many years ago, they had made every effort to fit in.

But others said Bob the Builder's comments were bigoted.

"They're totally appalling and indicative of his personality," said a middle-aged woman, who did not want to be named.

Mr Clarkson continued his tirade against Muslim women and homosexuals at a "Good Jokers Unite" meeting in Upper Hutt on Wednesday night.

He had earlier landed himself in hot water for comments in the weekend saying Muslim women who wanted to wear burqas should go back to "Islam or Iraq", and public displays of homosexuality were akin to people picking their noses in public.

At the Wednesday meeting, he also accused Parliament's Speaker Margaret Wilson of bias towards Prime Minister Helen Clark and her Government.

His constituents spoken to yesterday felt he was more entitled to make comments of this nature.

Barbara Brown, 69, said she was appalled by Mr Clarkson's other remarks, but felt his assertion about Ms Wilson, who is a list member of Labour, had an element of truth.

"He's got a wee scratch of merit there," she said.


The word on the street

AMY LORRAINE 18, student

On Mr Clarkson's comments on Muslim women wearing burqas:
"If Indians wear their turbans, why can't Muslims wear their burqas? We don't discriminate against Maori wearing their taonga. All cultures should be allowed to be open in what they believe in."

On Mr Clarkson's comments on homosexuals:
"If he is really that uptight about homosexuality, why did he discuss his testicles in front of a group of men? If it was up to me he wouldn't be our MP."

HARRY PRANGNELL 70, retired
"He's just saying things that most New Zealanders are saying privately anyway."

ANDREW DUNSTAN 18, high school student
"He stood up for what he believed in. He said it straight, he didn't beat around the bush. He's too right."

VAL PRANGNELL 70, retired
"He's just saying a lot of true things."

On Mr Clarkson's comments on Muslim women wearing burqas:
"They shouldn't be wearing those here. If they come to live in New Zealand, they should act like New Zealanders."

On Mr Clarkson's comments on homosexuality:
"I agree. People don't want it thrust down their throats."

MARNIE CARTER 26, accounts clerk
"If that kind of attitude becomes acceptable for people in public office, the outcome is that it's going to be harder for gay people and others. He should be made aware it's not acceptable to make those kinds of comments."

GRAEME WEBSTER 47, company director
On Mr Clarkson's comments on Parliament's Speaker Margaret Wilson:
"If he thinks there's a bias, he's entitled to his opinion."

On Mr Clarkson's comments on homosexuals and Muslims:
"That's pretty personal stuff. I don't think he needs to comment about specific groups."

BARBARA BROWN 69, retired
On Mr Clarkson's comments on Muslim women wearing burqas:
"I'm absolutely appalled that such a remark was made because as long as people come to New Zealand and abide by our rules, what they wear is irrelevant."

On Mr Clarkson's comments on Parliament's Speaker Margaret Wilson:
"He's got a wee scratch of merit there."

RAJ NAIR 56, chartered accountant
"He needs to be a bit more open-minded because New Zealand is part of the rest of the world. If he's going to exclude certain people, we shouldn't even trade with other countries."

LIAM SHORT 17, high school student
"It's good that he stuck up for what he believes in. Doesn't Parliament have something better to do than sit around talking about what Bob Clarkson's saying?"