23 May 2002

United Future leader, Hon Peter Dunne, says the Prime Minister is right to shun the Greens over their GE ultimatum.

"This is not about GE, but about the ability of a government to operate effectively."

"Coalition or minority governments cannot work if they are running the risk of being high-jacked by their partners."

"The relationship has to be one of give and take based around a common agreement on the broad direction the government intends to follow, and underpinned by a no-surprises approach."

"Throwing their toys out of the cot the way the Greens are brands them as unreliable, and fuels public concern," he says.

Mr Dunne says there is already widespread public concern that the fate of the next government will be in the hands of erratic minorities like the Greens, New Zealand First, or whatever remains of the Alliance.

"At the same time, people are uncomfortable with the prospect of one-party majority government, but feel there is no alternative."

"United Future is a moderate, centrist party that can work constructively with either side of politics to provide stable government."

"We will be in the next Parliament, with a primary commitment to supporting and promoting policies that make New Zealand the best place in the world to raise a family - again."

"For us, every party vote will count - none will be wasted - and, at around 700 party votes on average per electorate there will be 3 United Future MPs able to contribute to stable and effective government, and not spitting the dummy when it suits," Mr Dunne says.

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