19 August 2004

Brash Shows Lack Of Leadership Skills

Rt Hon Winston Peters says Don Brash’s comments in an Australian newspaper reflect his inexperience and lack of political leadership skills.

Writing in the Australian Financial Review, Dr Brash said the gap in living standards between Australia and New Zealand risked New Zealand becoming "just another Pacific island state".

Mr Peters said it was unwise and disloyal for a political leader to “bad mouth” his country overseas as it was a long term convention for politicians of all persuasions to show a united front on the international scene.

“Don Brash fails to grasp even the most simple elements of political leadership. He also has a cheek to point to New Zealand’s shortcomings when people of his ilk created them through stupid, short-sighted free market policies in the first place.

“Let me remind you Dr Brash that Australia rejected the policies you hold so dear and that is why they are prospering,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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