Don't shoot the messenger warns National

The Transport Minister's attack today against critics of his transport legislation demonstrates the unchecked arrogance of the junior Minister from the Hutt Valley, says National's Commerce spokesman, Tony Ryall.

Paul Swain has taken a swipe at a coalition of lobby groups which have teamed up to campaign against aspects of the Land Transport Management Bill.

"The Minister is intent on shooting the messenger rather than listening to any reason from influential groups like Business New Zealand.

"These groups have made it very clear that the Land Transport Management Bill needs flexibility and a more pro-private enterprise approach.

"The Minister clearly hasn't bothered to read their submissions properly and take their responses and criticism into account.

"In his first few years in office, this Minister was regarded as one of the few business-friendly voices in Cabinet.

"Now's he's just intent on smart comments that prove this Government's growing disdain for the views of others. Arrogance has well and truly taken hold," says Mr Ryall.

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