War of words: Anti-whaling activist vs New Zealand government

Peter Bethune has had a big whine, lashing out at the New Zealand government while praising Australia:

The many people from all over the world who protested on my behalf, who supported me on Facebook and in forums and who raised the profile of whaling. The Government of Australia who have announced they are finally taking action against Japan in the International Court of Justice.

It is fantastic to finally see some politicians showing some backbone over this issue.

I get the feeling these days that New Zealand has become like a fat little lap dog and any country like Japan that wants to walk over us, we are too afraid to do anything about it.

Prime Minister John Key in turn alleged Bethune was "downright ungrateful" for the extraordinary support provided.

At the press conference Bethune acknowledged placing whales before all else has cost him dearly:

"[My partner Sharyn and I] split up before I went to Antarctica.'' He said he was not an easy person to live with and was obsessive and unable to balance his cause with his family.

A fabulous sense of humour obviously isn't as important to women as we've been led to believe.

Hmm, I hadn't really thought about it, just assuming all sea-hippies smelled of rancid butter, marijuana and lentils.