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New Zealand First MP Shane Jones says Nick Smith’s Nazi comment to deputy speaker Adrian Rurawhe is a sign the veteran MP is feeling the stress.
Māori Party co-leader John Tamihere has criticised the muted media reaction to the outburst, comparing it with the outrage over him using the term seig heil in a criticism of Auckland Mayor Phil Goff barring right wing provocateurs from council venues.
But Mr Jones says politicians learn to live with the media’s inconsistency.
He says Mr Smith’s outburst after being ordered from the chamber was part of a pattern of crankiness towards the Speaker and his deputies.
"Progressively his face looks as if it is carved out of rancid butter, and I think that reflects his frustration at being stuck in the back benches of the Opposition. it is unfair of him to treat Adrian like that. We should respect the position Adrian holds and he is one of the few Māori who have held that position as an officer of parliament," Mr Jones says.
He says New Zealand First leader Winston Peters would never countenance one of his MPs treating the speaker in that way.
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