In commenting on Greg Sheridan’s Editorial in “The Australian,” New Zealand First MP and Defence Spokesman Ron Mark said, “Whatever!!”

“New Zealand does not need to be told by some know all Australian journalist how to shape our Defence Forces or how to run our affairs.”

“New Zealanders know and accept that we need to spend more on Defence that we need to upgrade our Army, that we need to pay our service personnel more and that we need to replace some ageing pieces of equipment. But we also know that we can’t do everything and therefore that we must prioritise. Sadly whilst this may be the best chance to buy F16’s at this price, the reality is that right now, there are other higher priorities,” Mr Mark said.

“It is our Army supported by specific elements from our Airforce and our Navy that bear the brunt of New Zealand’s international peace making workload.” Mr Mark said, “Sadly it has been those very elements that have been neglected and allowed it to run down over recent years. Surely even an Aussie can understand, that for the time being, that is where the Governments priorities must lay,” Mr Mark concluded.

I think that Helen Clark is calling it correctly and I support her,” said Mr Mark. “When and what we replace the A4 Skyhawks with is another question for another day”.

Ends.

Contact Ron Mark: 04 470 6613
021 570846

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