4 August 2008 Media Statement

Come clean on cuts Mr Key

John Key’s slip that he has already identified two specific public investments that he plans to cut if elected are more evidence that National is not fronting up with its real agenda, Finance Minister Michael Cullen said.

The National Party all but confirmed it would have to borrow for tax cuts, but has still refused to say if it would cut government investments and services to pay for tax cuts.

Under pressure on radio this morning, Mr Key let slip that investments would not only have to be cut, but that he already knows where the cuts would start. When specifically asked to rule out cuts to KiwiSaver, Mr Key refused to do so.

“Why can’t John Key just be straight with New Zealanders?” Dr Cullen said.

“His slip that he already has public services lined up for cuts comes just a day after it emerged that Bill English is privately reassuring National Party members that assets like Kiwibank would eventually be sold under a Key government.

“Everyone knows where the Labour-led government stands on the issues that matters. There are no hidden agendas.

“It’s time for John Key to be honest with the public.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media