The hypocrisy of John Banks and his chums

Normally I would be interested in such political scandal were it not for the rank hypocrisy of ACT and National who insist on ethical standards when it comes to their political enemies, but are not above the very worst form of cronyism in their political dealings and support for their corporate friends.

The former Auckland mayor and now far-Right MP allegedly accepted anonymous donations, visited Kim Dotcom's mansion but after Dotcom was arrested claims not to know him.

Banks admits hotel discount, denies Dotcom link

Act leader John Banks now admits he got a discounted rate at a hotel in Hong Kong, but says it had nothing to do with Kim Dotcom.

John Banks is a helicopter pilot who says he can't remember any visits to Dotcom's mansion. Photo / APN

TVNZ,

3 May, 2012

Labour MP Trevor Mallard alleged in Parliament yesterday that Dotcom helped Banks receive a reduced rate duringhis stay at the Hyatt last year.

Banks yesterday denied that and released the bill for his hotel stay which he claimed proved he did not receive a discount.

"I always negotiate prices down. I don't believe in paying the rack rate in a hotel," he said.

"It was so expensive, I even paid for it with my wife's credit card."

The amount stated on Banks' bill was $690 a night for the deluxe harbour view room, which the hotel confirmed to ONE News would usually cost up to $1100 a night.

Prime Minister John Key said yesterday his chief of staff has received an assurance from Banks that he paid for all expenses on the trip.

Today he said it was "great" that Banks managed to get a better room rate.

Banks has been under fire over his relationship with Dotcom, who the US is seeking to extradite on piracy and money laundering charges.

Police are investigating claims that Banks knew about an anonymous donation from Dotcom to his 2010 Auckland mayoralty campaign, as well as a $15,000 donation from SkyCity.

Banks also confirmed this week he lobbied National minister Maurice Williamson last year regarding an application by Kim Dotcom to buy a luxury $30 million Coatesville mansion near Auckland.

The opposition has been calling on Key to stand Banks down over the allegations, but Key is refusing, saying it is a legal issue not an ethical one.