6 September 2004

Hon Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader

Brash is stuck in the '80s and doomed to opposition

Political parties must be absolutely clear ahead of the 2005 election as to who their coalition partners would be in government and Don Brash's comments over the weekend reflect the 1980s policy time warp that he is stuck in, Progressive MP Matt Robson says.

"Don Brash says he can only deal only with ACT and United.

"What he is really saying is that he hankers after that period in our history when governments ignored the will of the people completely and he can only deal with parties that want a return to that awful period in our history when politicians didn't pay attention, or take responsibility, for the results of their policies," Matt Robson said.

"Don Brash is making it clear that his only potential partners are other parties that share his 1980s' agenda of endless asset sales and cuts to education and health services. But National, ACT and United will always add up to Opposition, not government, no matter which way you look at it," the Progressive MP said.

Matt Robson is campaigning for Progressive Party Votes in the Tamaki electorate in next year's election.

The September 2005 election is going to centre around what kind of Helen Clark-led coalition government New Zealand should elect.

Progressive is campaigning to keep the next government focused on job- and wealth-creation, housing more New Zealanders and getting more people into skills training and combating alcohol and drug problems in society, Matt Robson said.

On Sunday, Don Brash said that under his leadership National will only consider going into coalition government with ACT and United.

ENDS

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