Tony Ryall

National Timberlands Spokesman

2 May 2000

West Coasters deserve more respect

Dr Cullen has blown his top with the Greens over the honouring of the West Coast rimu logging contracts and has fallen into the Government's habit of insults when they disagree with another view, says National's Timberlands Spokesman Tony Ryall.

"In the House today, the Prime Minister denied Dr Cullen had linked the Greens with Mr Robert Mugabe. Yet a Television transcript quotes him as saying exactly that. This is a very serious accusation to make and the Greens are appalled. Ms Clark should tell New Zealanders whether she agrees with Dr Cullen's comments or if she will be demanding he apologise to the Green Party.

"Labour is developing a habit of resorting to insulting slogans rather than dealing with reality. The Prime Minister herself has referred to West Coasters as feral in a radio interview and is reported as calling Coasters "in-bred" following a television interview.

"It is ironic that Dr Cullen has lashed out at the Greens when it is his own party that is breaking the West Coast Accord and is now backtracking on earlier indications that the Government will try and get out of the rimu contracts.

"The West Coast Mayors were right to say they will wait to hear Cabinet's decision on the rimu contracts before making their decision on the package," Mr Ryall said.

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