Tony Ryall MP
National Party Health Spokesman
10 January 2007

Cunliffe auditions for ‘Yes Minister’

“David Cunliffe has provided more evidence that he's auditioning for a role in a new series of ‘Yes Minister’,” says National Party Health spokesman Tony Ryall, commenting on another classic “Cunliffean” moment.

“Talk about spin. He should be dizzy.”

Mr Ryall is referring to a media statement issued by David Cunliffe yesterday, rejecting concerns about disability funding. Mr Cunliffe said ‘claims of a funding freeze totally inaccurate’.

Yet he goes on to say: ‘as an interim measure, per unit care costs have been stabilised to manage within budget’. He also says ‘cost of living adjustments have been postponed’.

“So it's not a funding freeze but an interim stabilisation and a ‘postponement’? The Sir Humphreys in the Ministry of Health must have worked overtime on that one, and be very pleased with their young Minister."

Mr Ryall says Mr Cunliffe should be asked to explain.

“The vulnerable people with disabilities in our community deserve more than just lip service from a Minister auditioning for a part in Yes Minister.”

ENDS

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