Jim Anderton MP Tue Sep 14 1999

New Zealand First's restatement that it could form a coalition with Act and National if it had sufficient support after the election is another betrayal of voters wanting a change of government, Alliance leader Jim Anderton says.

Winston Peters told an audience in Hornby today that New Zealand First would talk to National 'after the election.'

'Just as he did after the last election, Mr Peters is again saying 'vote for me and then I'll sell you out,' Jim Anderton said.

'Who could forget Mr Peters' solemn commitment in his campaign opening address on 25 September 1999, when he said 'If you want National out, vote New Zealand First.'

'Mr Peters is hoping that everyone has forgotten.'

Jim Anderton said NZ First's public statements are becoming increasingly bizarre.

'Last week Mr Peters insisted that NZ First would prefer a coalition with Labour. Then he denied saying it. Then he admitted saying it, but denied that he meant it.

'In his speech today Mr Peters said, 'Where do they [The Alliance and Labour] have written down for voters to see, an agreement over what they intend to do about anything?'

'Then later in the same speech he said, 'It is a form of fascism for political parties to sort out the results of elections before they are even held.'

'When he can't even remember what he said at the beginning of his speech, it's no wonder that Winston can't remember the last three years of NZ First's betrayal,' Jim Anderton said.

ENDS

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