Media statement
For immediate release
Wednesday, 31 August 2005

Dunne corrects commentators’ errors

United Future leader Peter Dunne today corrected errors being perpetrated by various political commentators and journalists about what United Future would do after the election.

“Whether through wilfulness or ignorance, some people are saying that ‘United Future is battling with the Greens to be Labour’s coalition partner’ or that ‘United Future will offer support to the party that gets the most seats in Parliament’.

“Neither statement is true,” said Mr Dunne.

“Our constant criticism of the Greens has nothing to do with being a partner for Labour; it has everything to do with our belief that the Greens’ pro-drugs, high-tax, anti-family and anti-trade policies would be disastrous for New Zealand.

“Nor have we said we would automatically offer support to the bigger party after the election. We have consistently said we would respect the voters’ wishes by first negotiating with the leading party.

“If those negotiations result in significant policy gains for the United Future agenda, then a support arrangement is highly likely. If satisfactory deals cannot be struck, then we would open talks with the second-biggest party.

“Democracy requires that the voters be well-informed before making their decision. It is regrettable that the media persist in misleading them on this important point,” said Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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