Former Green MP joins National

Former Green list MP Ian Ewen-Street has joined the National Party.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge of assisting National build a stronger environmental platform," he said in a statement.

Mr Ewen-Street was elected in 1999 and retired last year.

He said in his valedictory speech that he would like to be remembered as an MP with a passion for biosecurity, and as an enemy of genetic engineering.

However, he is best known for stepping down from a parliamentary committee after forming a relationship with a lawyer representing one of the parties involved in the scampi quota inquiry. The couple now has a young daughter.

National Party leader Don Brash welcomed Mr Ewen-Street's decision to join National and assist its Bluegreens develop environmental policy.

Dr Brash and Mr Ewen-Street met in Nelson this weekend, after the former Green MP signed on as a party member.

"My values and passion for the environment have not changed but I have changed vehicle because more progress can be made on the substantive issues through a major party like National," Mr Ewen-Street said.

"I am frustrated by the lack of progress New Zealand is making on issues like biosecurity, water quality and sustainable agriculture. The likelihood is that National will be the next government. I want to influence their policy making so there are gains for the environment."

Dr Brash said National was a broad-based party that welcomed new talent and ideas.

"I have identified the environment as a key issue on which we want to strengthen our policy platform for 2008," he said.

"Ian's knowledge, skills and experience will help us achieve that.

"It is a misconception that environmental issues belong to the political left. Conservative politics and environmental policies sit very comfortably together," Dr Brash said.

Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons wished Mr Ewen-Street well in his newly chosen home.

"I'm not surprised by his choice," she said.

"Ian was increasingly at odds with our caucus over recent years. He wanted to support National Party legislation, and their moves in select committee to water down environmental initiatives.

"He also wanted to support Labour's legislation on the Foreshore and Seabed,and was uncomfortable with the Greens' commitment to the Treaty."

She wondered how Mr Ewen-Street would get on with the National Party's endorsement of genetic engineering, "an issue he did care deeply about, and with their denial of climate change".

- NZPA