22 May 2002

“The decision by Richard Prebble, who never polls over 1% in the preferred Prime Minister polls, to not contest this year’s election is the most positive step that could have been taken by that party,” New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said today.

“He is continuing his incredible habit of stating his delusions as fact in the hope someone will believe him. Does he seriously think that a party which has never in the 8 years of its existence polled in double figures will suddenly experience a political epiphany and start polling 20%? This from the same ACT party that will do anything but talk about their policies?

“The lack of original policy and talent coupled with the withdrawal of their financial backers and the imminent demise of their klingon partner, National, meant that there was little hope that any rational New Zealander would be persuaded to cast an electorate vote for ACT.

“The next step of course is for Rodney to get the shaft again. After the Fiji incident, the garden voucher incident and the taxi chit incident Prebble will have great relish in stopping his candidacy. After all, Rodney’s unsuccessful campaign in Epsom in 1999 actually cost ACT list votes in that electorate.

“There is no doubt that Rodney will effectively be boaged by Richard.

“Thinking New Zealanders will also conclude that a party vote for ACT is a wasted vote and will have no effect on the make up or direction of the new government,” Mr Peters ended.

ENDS

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