No Heart, No Urgency, No Conviction
Tuesday, 27 August 2002, 3:29 pm
Press Release: New Zealand National Party
27 August 2002
Speech Verdict - No Heart, No Urgency, No
Conviction.
Today's speech from the throne had no heart
in it, says National Party Leader Bill English.
"The
speech showed no sense of urgency or conviction about the
challenges New Zealand has.
"It was pleasing to see Labour
recognise the importance of economic growth, education and
infrastructure. Their best ideas though have been lifted
from National's manifesto. Despite having a record sized
executive the government has no original ideas.
"The
speech brushes over the problems accumulating in health and
education, in particular huge hospital debts and Mallard's
debacle with the NCEA.
"It also brushed aside voters
concerns evident in the election campaign about sentencing
and the role of the Treaty of Waitangi.
"I intend to build
a constructive and vigorous opposition, working with the
other opposition parties.
"This is a weak programme from a
government without conviction, so there will be no
honeymoon, " says Mr English.
Ends
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