18 April 2002

Welcoming a high water mark of selections of young candidates for the 2002 General Election, Young Labour President Jordan Carter today firmly rejected suggestions by Paul Foster (National's Dunedin South candidate) that Labour has, in his words, "chosen to select no younger candidates."

"Mr Foster is simply incorrect," said Jordan Carter

"We have a record lineup of young candidates for Labour. Michael Wood in Pakuranga, Tony Milne in Rakaia, and Darren Hughes in the safe Labour seat of Otaki, will all be under the age of 25 come the Election," said Jordan Carter.

"In addition, Leila Boyle in Tamaki, Hamish McCracken in Albany, and Richard Pole in Ilam will all be running high profile campaigns as candidates aged 30 or under," said Jordan Carter.

"Far from being behind National, Labour demonstrates a consistent commitment to young people. As well as all the constituency selections above, the party list selection process is nearing completion. Young Labour anticipates at the very least one more young person to be in a winnable spot," said Jordan Carter.

"I note that National has only started selecting young people for seats now that it is in Opposition. So far, Daniel Gordon (Waimakariri) and now Paul Foster (Dunedin South) are up against seasoned and popular local MP's, who they will not defeat," Jordan Carter said.

"The Labour Party has enough confidence in young candidates that we select them while we're in Government, and also in winnable seats," said Jordan Carter.

"I commend Paul Foster for his charming enthusiasm, but in future he should make sure he gets his facts right," Jordan Carter said.

ENDS

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