Minister Disappointed With Jim Anderton’s Announcement

Laila Harré said that she is very disappointed with the decision announced by Jim Anderton today to stand against the Alliance at the next election.

“This will be a great disappointment to members of the Alliance who had hoped for a positive and united solution to recent internal tension,” said Ms Harré.

Laila Harré stressed that she and the Alliance Party remained committed to a stable coalition Government with Labour.

“Regardless of Jim Anderton’s decision to stand against the Alliance, we will continue to work for the improvement of the lives of ordinary people, as the Alliance has done for the past 10 years”, said Ms Harré.

“I am particularly proud of the record of the Alliance as part of the coalition and am concerned that Jim Anderton’s decision will compromise our effectiveness in Government.

“The least I will expect is co-operation to ensure the ongoing stability of the Government,” said Ms Harré.

“I am determined to pull out all the stops in this campaign to ensure that the Alliance continues as an electoral option to the left of Labour beyond this election.

“We need to make even more significant progress towards restoring basic social services and eliminating poverty in the second term of a Labour Alliance Government. I invite all those who share these goals to work with us in making sure that the Alliance is returned to government with Labour.”

Laila Harré noted that caucus had agreed that this week would be free of significant announcements. On that basis she confirmed a planned five day break with her husband and children. This will be the last opportunity prior to what will be a very difficult election campaign for such time out.

Nevertheless, as a result of Jim Anderton’s announcement, Laila Harré is calling short her holiday plans and is attempting to get a flight out of Fiji tomorrow.

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