Peters Celebrates Replacement of Mallard as Ambassador to Ireland

Winston Peters, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, has publicly welcomed the replacement of former Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard as the country’s Ambassador to Ireland. Mallard, who took up the role in 2022, has been succeeded by Angela Hassan-Sharp. Peters made the announcement during a statement on the afternoon of the decision.

Peters expressed his sentiments about Mallard’s departure using a reference to the Australian band The Seekers, saying, “You know that famous song from The Seekers? Carnival’s over.” He remarked that Mallard was “coming home and he’s coming home early,” indicating his view that the former Speaker’s tenure in Dublin was not satisfactory.

When questioned about the reasons behind Mallard’s early return, Peters stated, “Yes, I do.” He criticized the practice of appointing politicians to significant diplomatic roles, asserting that such decisions do not serve the national interest. “It’s a circus where instead of looking at the national interest, you’ve got people like Jacinda Ardern appointing politicians to important jobs – and that should not be happening,” he said.

Peters maintained that politicians lack the necessary training and experience for diplomatic positions. “I cannot believe that Jacinda Ardern sent somebody like him after the way he behaved with respect to the protesters out here, turning up the noise, putting cold water over young children at night. This is a disgrace,” he added while addressing reporters.

The criticism is not new; Peters has previously condemned Mallard’s appointment, stating in 2022 that Mallard did not possess the diplomatic acumen required for the role. He remarked, “Mr Mallard has never demonstrated any understanding of the most fundamental elements of diplomacy itself.”

The relationship between Peters and Mallard has been contentious, especially after Mallard issued a trespass notice against Peters during the protests that occupied the Parliament grounds. Following a judicial review, Mallard conceded in the High Court that the trespass warning was “unreasonable and irrational.” Subsequently, Adrian Rurawhe, who served as Speaker, issued an apology to Peters on Mallard’s behalf when Mallard resigned to accept the ambassadorial position.

The New Zealand public broadcaster, RNZ, has reached out to Mallard for comments regarding his replacement and the criticisms he has faced. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of such appointments remain a significant topic of discussion in New Zealand.