Parliament’s Image in New Zealand Going Down Tubes

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 on 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.”