16 February 2001 Media Statement

Shipley not fit for office

Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton says National Leader Jenny Shipley is unfit for leadership after her release of elements of the NZ Post business case for the proposed kiwi bank today.

"Mrs Shipley is irresponsibly releasing information which is the property of the NZ Post Board and which is clearly unlawfully obtained.

"Her actions are designed deliberately to damage a premier SOE, New Zealand Post, and therefore to damage the interests of New Zealand taxpayers.

"Deliberately hurting the interests of New Zealanders in order to make a cheap political point makes her unfit for a leadership position in any political party, let alone one which aspires to once again lead the country.

"Her suggestion that depositors' money would not be safe is the most damaging and irresponsible attack on New Zealand's banking system I can think of.

"I am particularly alarmed by her threat to release security information, and if she does that I will hold her personally responsible for any personal threat to the safety of bank staff which may result," Jim Anderton said.

ENDS

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