Media Release

3 June 2001

Peters Applauds Increased Understanding of MMP Politics

The Rt Hon Winston Peters MP, Leader of New Zealand First, today said that he welcomed the Green’s desire to enter a coalition post the next election if it meant that it would increase the scrutiny of coalition agreements under MMP and those minor parties that had delivered to their constituencies – and those that had not.

“Until New Zealand has this type of debate, and makes the necessary comparisons, minor parties will continue to have a difficult time of it. For example, a simple comparison of what New Zealand First delivered in coalition and what the Alliance has been able to deliver thus far strengthens the argument for the detailed coalition agreement that enabled New Zealand First to deliver on so many more policies than the Alliance has been able to with their loose coalition agreement with Labour,” said Mr Peters.

Mr Peters said it was encouraging to see that more political commentators were acknowledging this fact and beginning to understand the need for detailed coalition agreements like they have in Europe.

“It was also heartening to see that there appears to be a new understanding of MMP emerging – including a realisation that differences between coalition partners is not necessarily the sign of a government in trouble,” said Mr Peters.

Mr Peters said that the recent maturing of MMP understanding in this country made him hopeful that the main question facing minor parties at the next election would not be who the parties will go with – but what they will deliver – and by what means they can guarantee delivery.

ENDS

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