John Key. Photo by Getty
Prime Minister John Key says the Government doesn't care
about Kim Dotcom and neither do most New Zealanders.
Hitting back this morning at claims made by the Megaupload
millionaire last week, Mr Key said the only person who cared
about Dotcom was the man himself.
"The Government actually doesn't care about Kim Dotcom. He
might think we get up every morning and it's a top-of-mind
issue, but it's not," Mr Key said on TVNZ's Q+A today.
"In fact, most New Zealanders don't care about Kim Dotcom.
"The person who cares about Kim Dotcom is Kim Dotcom.
"And as we've said all the way along, if this guy believes
he's so innocent, get on a plane, go to America and fight
your case. If you win, come back to New Zealand no problem."
Dotcom claimed last week he had proof Mr Key had lied about
his knowledge of the internet entrepreneur earlier than the
day before the January raid on Dotcom's Coatesville mansion.
Dotcom is currently opposing an extradition attempt by the
United States, which alleges massive breaches of copyright
and money laundering in relation to Megaupload.
Mr Key said to lie means "you have to deliberately mislead
people, and there's no way I've done that".
"He [Dotcom] is completely and factually incorrect," the
Prime Minister said.
On the last episode of Q+A for the year, Mr Key denied
criticism he had been "grumpy" and "tired" this year.
"When you work long hours, from time to time you're going to
look tired," he said.
"I get off a plane and I start working. That's the way it
works.
"I work a lot of hours and I have a lot of papers to read and
a lot of things to deal with.
"Am I grumpy? Not in the slightest."
On the question of whether he will lead National to the 2014
election, Mr Key said: "I believe for sure I will be. I have
the support of my caucus, unlike Labour."
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