Allegations of Sexual Abuse
	False Allegations
	John Edgar case
	Waikato Times May 2, 1998 Edgar eyes political exposure in wake of acquittal by Gordon Jon Thompson They say a week is a long time in politics but for John Edgar of Hamilton it was even longer in the justice system. One day he might also find out how long a week is in politics -- he wants to be an MP. When the week began, Dr Edgar was still accused of eight counts of indecency. Then he had to wait 14 hours for the jury to finally acquit him. His name and face have been splashed all over the country since the verdict was handed down in the early hours of Tuesday morning. So it is a surprise that he is considering further public exposure a political career would bring. "After this publicity it can't get much worse," he said this week. At this stage it is only an idea but one that he will think about in the future. Next year's general election is too soon -- if he was going to stand it would probably be in the election after. Dr Edgar, 38, is not sure which party he would stand for. He says all the parties seem the same, but it would probably be either Labour or National. Until the time comes to decide, he will concentrate on trying to relax after a difficult six months. "At first I tried to read books but I couldn't concentrate. So I started walking and learned to relax." He has had a long interest in politics. He got his doctorate in history from Waikato University with a thesis on long-serving Auckland Mayor Sir Dove-Meyer Robinson. Aside from political aspirations he still has the option of teaching, though he is determined it will not be with children. The allegations that he touched and looked at the genitals of seven boys while he was teacher at Hukanui Primary School have put him off teaching children ever again. He even warned other male to teachers to get out of the profession.