Media statement Sunday, October 26, 2008

UnitedFuture to side with National

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne announced today that his party will support a National-led Government after the November 8 election.

Following a meeting with National leader John Key at Parliament this morning, Mr Dunne said New Zealand is confronted with some stark economic realities at this election.

"We have looked at the policies the two major parties are offering the country and it is our view that the National Party's proposals more closely align with UnitedFuture's policies at this critical time.

"It is also our view that New Zealand is looking for a change in direction and UnitedFuture wants to be a part of, and make a constructive contribution to, that change."

Mr Dunne said UnitedFuture had worked constructively with a Labour-led Government over the past six years.

"However, we believe it is unlikely we will be able to make further progress on key UnitedFuture policies because of ideological barriers that have to some extent already been erected by Labour – barriers that would most certainly be entrenched by a Labour-Green-New Zealand First government.

"John Key and I have today discussed policy areas such as infrastructure development through the use of public-private partnerships; greater use of private health facilities to reduce patient waiting lists, especially for the elderly; continuing tax reform; and law and order.

"We believe we can work closely together on these and other policy issues for the benefit of all New Zealanders.

"At this election, it is clear that all parties are responding to voters' wishes for all parties to declare who they will, or will not, work with and, more importantly, who they will support to lead the new Government.

"UnitedFuture is not deaf to those calls.

"At this election, therefore, I want to let New Zealanders know before they cast their vote that UnitedFuture will give its support to a National-led Government and for the reasons I have outlined will not give its support to a Labour-led Government," said Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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