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| The Prime Minister is said to be seething over the latest outburst from former cabinet minister John Tamihere. Tamihere is in trouble again, after the reporting of what he believed were off the record comments. Mr Tamihere has given an interview to "Investigate" magazine in which he turns on many of his colleagues, including the Prime Minister. He describes Helen Clark as being no good with emotions, saying 'she goes to pieces.' Helen Clark has spoken with Mr Tamihere, and is expected to have more to say at her post-cabinet news conference. "Tosser" Investigate's five-page spread has the Tamaki Makaurau MP calling Chris Carter a "tosser" for lobbying him to vote in favour of Civil Unions, arguing he has a right to think sex with another male is unhealthy and violating. He also described Steve Maharey as having no substance, was quoted as saying the Labour Party is anti-men, and rubbished the hold the union movement has on the party. Mr Tamihere is expected to be summoned to the ninth floor of the Beehive to explain himself. He called Miss Clark last week to alert her to the article, claiming he believed the entire conversation to be off the record. Frank The journalist behind the controversial article says the Labour MP knew the conversation was on-the-record. Investigate managing editor Ian Wishart says he rang the MP asking for an interview for the magazine's April edition, and at no time did he suggest it would be off-the-record. Mr Wishart says he received a message from Mr Tamihere several days later admitting he may have been a bit too frank, but the magazine had already gone to press. Opposition Eye Split The Opposition has been quick to capitalise on the explosive comments. National says Labour is as factionalised and near to split as it has ever been. ACT leader Rodney Hide says he is alarmed by revelations that Michael Cullen dupes coalition partners. Mr Tamihere is quoted as saying the Deputy Prime Minister can change a word in upcoming legislation without others knowing. Mr Hide wants to know if the Progressives and United Future are being duped and whether there is any truth to John Tamihere's claims that the pressure they find themselves under, almost leads to fisticuffs. John Tamihere is not returning calls. |