22 May 2002

NZ First Commits Itself To Keeping Greens Away From Power

Following the staged ‘walk-out’ of the Greens from Parliament last night, conveniently after they had used up all their speaking time, New Zealand First is more committed than ever to see that a dangerous irresponsible party like the Greens never get anywhere near the Treasury benches.

“What we saw last night was a party in panic mode—for the last 6 months the Greens’ polling has slowly and steadily declined in poll after poll as they have been exposed to greater scrutiny of their policies and their conduct. This staged publicity stunt has more to do with their low poll ratings than their concerns for GE,” said Leader Winston Peters.

“If this is what we can expect from them in opposition when they don’t get their way then we can predict that any government with their formal involvement would be an exercise in irresponsibility and contempt. It would be a disaster for New Zealand.

“The Prime Minister was right on Morning Report this morning when she said that the Green Party was acting more like a protest group than a political party. As far as what happens now that the Greens have proved themselves too immature for government, we stand by our statement of 3 April this year when we said:
“What is of more immediate concern is the political stability of the country. On issues of legislation, supply and confidence, as in the recent past, New Zealand First expects the government will talk to us. We have demonstrated our ability to be both co-operative and responsible and expect the Prime Minister to recognise this. We are not prepared to stand by while the democratic wishes of the electorate are subjugated as they have been today”

ENDS

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