Greens You Never Can Tell About Coalition With National Huge Concern

3 July 2002

Jim Anderton said he was concerned but not surprised the Greens were talking about Coalition with National.

“The Greens implied threat to go into coalition with an asset-selling, benefit-cutting National party shows why Labour needs a reliable coalition partner.

“Green voters who don’t want to see National and Act elected with their votes, and Labour supporters who are worried bout the Greens reckless threats, have an alternative.

“The Progressive Coalition will be a reliable partner for Labour making more progress and no threats.

“Single issue parties, however well meaning they are, can always put the interests of everyone aside for one issue.

“New Zealand has been through this before with New Zealand First. The Greens are flexing their muscles based on their poll support. I am certain, however, that many of their voters wouldn’t want a National - Green – Act Coalition.

“If I retain the confidence of Wigram voters then every vote for the Progressive Coalition will mean more Progressive MPs in the next Government. If we are part of a Labour led majority Government then the Greens can continue to be a single issue opposition party without threatening the strong and continued progress made by this Coalition Government,” said Jim Anderton.

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