A Labour Party MP who led Pasifika opposition to gay marriage says Grant Robertson's sexuality is not an issue in the party leadership contest.
Ava Fa'amoe, a former chair of the party's Samoan branch in Manukau East, has suggested Mr Robertson's sexual orientation would be a liability among Pasifika voters in South Auckland.
But Mangere MP Su'a William Sio said that has not come up in leadership discussions in his electorate.
He said Pasifika party members want a strong leader who can take on John Key and who their communities can connect with emotionally and intellectually.
Mr Sio says Mr Robertson's inexperience is the stumbling block, and Pasifika support is going to David Cunliffe, with Shane Jones a close second.
