Media Statement
For immediate release
Tuesday, 12 April 2005

Dunne: Super ultimatum will keep NZ First in opposition

By making increasing superannuation to an unsustainable level a NZ First coalition bottom line, Winston Peters has guaranteed his party another three years in opposition, United Future leader Peter Dunne said today.

“Winston’s a political ‘untouchable’ as far as Labour and National are concerned. They don’t want a bar of him and know from bitter experience that he can’t be relied on. He simply confirmed that status yesterday.

“Helen Clark said his call was ‘fundamentally damaging’ and Don Brash ran a mile when asked about it, so if Winston for once sticks to guns, then NZ First can look forward to another three years in opposition.

“And that leaves voters with one question - which centrist party can keep either Labour or National honest? And there is only one answer: United Future. We negotiate for what is achievable rather than issue ultimatums from on high.

“We want a better deal for superannuitants - but we also want to make sure we can pay for it,” he said.

Mr Dunne said no responsible politician would make rash promises on superannuation that cannot be afforded long term.

“It’s one thing trying to sell his particular brand of political snake oil to the gullible, but elderly New Zealanders have been burnt for trusting NZ First before and they’re not stupid or easily bought - the two things NZ First is clearly counting on.”

“Mr Peters is playing a cynical hand; next week expect him to launch a policy for all roads to run downhill.”

Ends.

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