Hon Dr Michael Cullen
Deputy Prime Minister

2 April 2008 Media Statement

Key confirms he can’t tell you what he believes

John Key’s admission today that he is unable to tell New Zealanders what he really thinks is a surprising statement from a man who wants to be Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen said today.

Speaking on Breakfast TV this morning, Mr Key defended the failure of two of his senior MPs to explain their beliefs on climate change by saying,

Well I, I mean in a sense, I never have a personal view these days, I mean if I express a personal view, that ultimately turns into the party view, I'm, I am the, the, the voice piece if you like, or the, the face of the National Party, and so no I really don't have the ability to give a personal view …

“John Key has confirmed that with his public statements he is not telling people what he really believes,” Dr Cullen said. “It is a rather extraordinary admission from someone who wants to be the leader of this country by year’s end.

“New Zealanders know what Helen Clark thinks, they know how she will respond to events and situations, and they know her values. That is what people expect from their leaders.

“It is one thing for a backbench MP to say they can’t comment on issues or give an opinion on a issue outside their portfolio responsibilities. But it is entirely different for a leader of a major political party to admit he is keeping his real views secret for political reasons.

“From asset sales, to Iraq, to battling climate change, to treaty settlements, we have seen John Key slip and slide on issues as he tries to hide his real views.

“Today he has confirmed that if he expressed his real views, he would create political problems for the National Party.”

ENDS

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