The Rt Hon Winston Peters MP, Leader of New Zealand First, today said that Labour’s Budget highlighted how little the Alliance and Greens have gained for their respective constituencies in return for their political support of the Labour Party.

“This is a particularly devastating Budget for Jim Anderton and the Alliance Party coming as it does at a time when morale within the Party is at an all time low.

“Mr Anderton may be content playing bridesmaid to Helen and Michael but many of Mr Anderton’s caucus colleagues are not, the Alliance Party hierarchy is rightfully concerned at the degree to which their Leader has been captured by Labour and Treasury, and their electoral support is consequently being eroded.

“The only time the Alliance gets a mention is in the opening paragraph of Michael Cullen’s speech – before that and after that they have clearly been forgotten,”said Mr Peters.

Mr Peters said that this Labour Budget is another nail in the Alliance’s coffin.

“ Securing a mere $2.6 million per annum the Greens fared no better.

“Because neither the Alliance or the Greens have detailed agreements to fall back on, Labour will continue to be able to give half hearted support to their causes like the paid parental leave issue championed by Laila Harre.

“Not only do the Alliance and the Greens not have a list of achievements for their constituencies they do not appear prepared to fight for these things any longer – believing that being a stable partner or propping up Labour is all they have to do – an attitude which spells the death of any minor coalition party under MMP,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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