Speaker Trevor Mallard is returning early from Ireland - ending his job as Ambassador.

Winston Peters has appointed senior foreign affairs staffer Angela Hassan-Sharp to replace Mallard.

Peters claims Mallard's behaviour during the anti-mandate occupation at Parliament should've disqualified him from the role. 

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Mallard's behaviour during the anti-mandate occupation at Parliament should have raised concerns.

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