Who's left in Don's mainstream?

As the campaign nears an end Don Brash's definition of who is a mainstream New Zealander is becoming increasingly bizarre, Labour Minister Steve Maharey said today.

"Don Brash believes Helen Clark and the 838,000 people who voted for Labour at the last election are outside the mainstream," Steve Maharey said.

"This is from a man who is 'delighted' to have the support of an extreme moralistic sect, and who last night told NZPA he would actively promote scrapping New Zealand's nuclear free laws if elected.

"We know that Brash's mainstream includes the exclusive Brethrens, opponents of our nuclear free policy, and the Business Round Table.

"We also know he excludes anyone who doesn't vote for him, making an exception for the 2,000 exclusive Brethren who don't vote at all."

"Don Brash also accused me of not being mainstream for a blog article where I point out that, despite their rhetoric, National has still not said how their tax cut would allow them to fund even one more nurse, teacher or doctor."

Steve Maharey said a message the exclusive Brethrens were using in a campaign in Australia was probably better suited to the choice facing Kiwi voters

An article in today's Sydney Morning Herald linked the Exclusive Brethren, to an election campaign in Australia, which included the message 'Don't trust a novice with no experience'.

"On this point I actually agree with the Brethrens," he said.

ENDS

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