13 September 2005

Key all over the place again

“National is at some stage in this campaign going to have to get to grips with the detail of their policy,” Finance Minister Michael Cullen said today.

He was commenting on contradictory statements from John Key over how much National’s cynical undertaking to cut 5 cents off petrol excise for six months would cost.

“The confusion shows the promise as the back-off-the-envelope exercise it is,” Dr Cullen said.

“Yesterday they priced it at $100 million. Today Mr Key priced it variously at $20 million and at $30 million.

“If it is only $20 million, it will be worth only about $13 per household or around 50 cents a week.

“If, as is our advice, it will cost closer to $130 million roading projects will be put at risk.

“National can’t have it both ways.”

ENDS

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