Barnaby Joyce says he has given up alcohol for Lent as Perin Davey admits having two drinks before Senate hearing

New England MP accuses opponents of exploiting issue for political gain, while footage emerges of deputy Nationals leader appearing to slur her words

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Barnaby Joyce has said he has given up drinking for Lent and accused political opponents of seeking to exploit the issue of parliamentarians’ consumption of alcohol.

The shadow veterans affairs minister made the comments on Monday after the deputy Nationals leader, Perin Davey, admitted she had two drinks before a Senate committee hearing in which she appeared to slur and stumble over words.

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