Common-sense? More Like confused!

The Shadow Leader of the House says United Future's done its image as a Labour lap-dog no favours after launching an unprovoked and fundamentally flawed attack on the National Party.

"When the 2003 Parliamentary session resumed, it was the National Party that asked first for a debate on the war on Iraq," says Ilam MP Gerry Brownlee.

"Since then we've written letters to the Speaker, sought leave and pursued through the business community, every opportunity to discuss in the House Labour's posturing on Iraq.

"But we've been denied at every turn.

"The National Party believes such a critical debate should take place in Government time, not on a Members day.

"Two attempts to have the Iraq debate yesterday, were shut down by Labour.

"It's simply not common-sense for United Future to accuse National of silencing discussion on this important issue, when it's Peter Dunne's Labour mates who've repeatedly denied us democracy," says Mr Brownlee.

"The National Party can only assume Mr Dunne's been the victim of bad advice as staff changes in his office start to take their toll.

"As the popularity of United Future slips further from the electoral radar screen, Mr Dunne would be better advised targeting a Labour Government that's lost its direction.

"That's exactly where National's set its sights, while United Future refuses (yet again) to show any spine on issues of real substance," Mr Brownlee says.

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