Media statement
For immediate release
Monday, 8 March 2004

Dunne: time for the Nats to get positive

United Future leader Peter Dunne tonight called on the National Party to lift its vision from its own immediate political revival from the doldrums and get positive on behalf of the future of New Zealand.

“In a genuine effort to engage all New Zealanders in a debate on the constitutional future of New Zealand, United Future has proposed that a Royal Commission be established with the task of guiding the country towards a constitution that will advance New Zealand; and with the task of working out where the Treaty of Waitangi would stand in relation to that constitution,” he said.

“Dr Brash has been reported as saying now is not the time for such an inquiry while his deputy, Gerry Brownlee, says select committees are too busy and that’s not what they do anyway.

“I now call on the National Party, as a political force that has pretensions towards governing New Zealand, to lift its eyes from the next political poll and turn its attention towards the long-term well-being of New Zealand.

“One expects the Green Party’s pro-cannabis spokesman to oppose the concept because of his ignorance and befuddlement, but the country expects better from Dr Brash and Mr Brownlee,” said Mr Dunne.

Ends

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