13 July 2005

We Are Ready, Whether She Is Or Not

Like many other political parties, New Zealand First has been frustrated by the silence of the Prime Minister, and has grown tired of the waiting game that she is presently playing out on the voting public, says Rt Hon Winston Peters

Mr Peters held a press conference this afternoon to announce New Zealand First’s campaign launch at the end of the month.

“The country wants – and deserves – certainty about the timing of elections. After all, this is fundamental to the democratic process,” said Mr Peters.

“The Prime Minister seems to be taking great delight in stringing along the media and the nation with her warped game of cat and mouse.

“It is worth noting that in most developed democracies the election date does not lie at the whim of political leaders, but is entrenched in the constitutional framework.

“For too long in New Zealand, political leaders have either tried to avoid the inevitable, or enhance their fortunes by manipulating the election date.

“The Prime Minister’s reluctance to come to the starting blocks is becoming very annoying for those of us who are already there, and it looks like we’re going to have to start the race without her.

“That being the case, New Zealand First is today announcing that our campaign will be launched on Sunday 31 July at 1pm at the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna, Auckland – whether or not at that time the Prime Minister has announced the election date.

“It is quite inappropriate to hold voters to ransom in the way in which the Prime Minister is presently doing so, and we in New Zealand First are saying ‘enough, let’s get this election under way, voters deserve better, we cannot and will not hold back any longer’.

“I want to advise that all members of the public will be welcome to attend our launches and to take part in the opportunity to have their say in the direction they wish the country to proceed in over the next three years.

“We have the plans, policies and personnel in place. In short, the total package to get this election underway.

“The longer she leaves her announcement, the more votes will flow to New Zealand First,” Mr Peters said.

ENDS

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