Why Won’t the Prime Minister Front?

Prime Minister John Key is stage managing the election campaign, snubbing his nose for the second time at an important political television debate.

“This is deeply worrying. When a prime minister is controlling the news media we are in worrying times,” says New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“When voters are deprived of a chance to see Prime Minister John Key in a challenging situation they can conclude that he is deliberately undermining the democratic process.

“Obama fronts, why can’t Key? The National Party are control freaks. Everything must be their way or they refuse to take part. It is alarming.

“Mr Key first pulled out in June for an August 27 debate. He’s doing the same again.

“We call on the Prime Minister to reconsider his debate decision and also Labour Leader David Cunliffe to do the same.

“Spare a thought for TV3 in this – the manpower and cost they have put into the logistics of the debate should not be belittled.

“Will this commercial channel rethink, and wonder why it is covering the election campaign.

“If that happens, and politicians are no longer subject to challenges from the media, on behalf of voters, democracy is seriously in decline in this country,” says Mr Peters.

ENDS

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