2 February 2004

Grant Gillon, Progressive president

Progressives to start selecting candidates for '05 election

The Progressive National Executive has agreed to start selecting candidates for next year's election, says party President, Grant Gillon. "At our meeting on Friday, progress was made on priority candidate selections for the 2005 General Election, including confirmation that Jim Anderton will seek selection to carry the party's banner in Wigram.

"Around 20 people have already approached us wanting to be candidates because of our policies and positive role inside of the coalition government," Grant Gillon said.

"By ticking 'Progressive' with their party vote, people will have the option of backing a positive party with a record of getting good things done for people inside a coalition government.

"Positive achievements like Four Weeks Leave, Kiwibank, being tough on drugs, promoting strong regional development and enhancing the rights of the victims of crime, are all tangible Progressive achievements made only because we're inside government.

Grant Gillon said plans are also being made to raise the party's profile around specific issues, like housing.

"There are significant problems facing young New Zealanders and low-income families when it comes to owning their own homes. Prices are out of their reach and deposit gaps are too wide for many. Housing is an issue the Progressives want more attention paid to in the third term of a progressive coalition government," Grant Gillon said.

"Potential Third Party voters will face stark choices in 2005.

"I believe other parties, like NZ First, will find it increasingly difficult to sit on the fence on important national issues. Potential Third Party voters will more than ever expect parties to be upfront on what their post-election intentions are," Grant Gillon said.

ENDS

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