POLITICS : Politicians ‘Sell’ in New Zealand
Lawmakers in New Zealand have been appearing in television commercials to sell lawn equipment, sour cream and other products, and Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer says Parliament’s image is suffering because of it.
“I don’t find it very pleasant, neither do I find it very elevating for this house, for its reputation with the public, to see members of Parliament endorsing products on television advertisements,” he told Parliament Thursday.
Former Revenue Minister Trevor de Cleene is currently seen on television recommending a brand of sour cream with the line: “It doesn’t leave as bad a taste in your mouth as politics.”
Former Prime Minister Sir Robert Muldoon, who has been a member of Parliament for 29 years, has appeared in commercials for a bank and a lawn equipment firm. He is also appearing as a vampire to introduce classic horror movies in a television series beginning this month.
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