Media statement
For immediate release
Tuesday, 17 April 2007

Dunne: Key's call "commonsense"

United Future leader Peter Dunne says the call by National leader John Key for multiparty discussion about Sue Bradford's Bill to amend section 59 of the Crimes Act is "commonsense".

Mr Dunne says Mr Key's call might just provide a way through what has become a very bitter and polarised debate.

"There is much common ground behind supporters and opponents of the Bill which is being obscured in the smoke of all the heat being generated and the extreme positions being adopted.

"A common ground discussion between parties might just be able to bring together a package that can gain the support of the vast majority of Parliament, and I for one would be keen to be involved in such a process," he says.

Mr Dunne says the current debate is degenerating into an slanging match between the rival camps with the professed common interest of the wellbeing of children being well and truly lost sight of.

"However, if there are to be multiparty discussions, they should be confined to the political parties only, and not involve the lobby groups who are doing so much to inflame the current situation.

"If talks look like proceeding, then it may also be appropriate for Ms Bradford to seek deferral of further consideration of her Bill until such time as the talks have been completed," he says.

ENDS

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