Franks Welcomes Leadership Comments

Monday 31 May 2004

Stephen Franks - Press Releases - Other

ACT New Zealand Leadership candidate Stephen Franks today welcomed ACT Party founder Sir Roger Douglas' comments on the requirements for the ACT leadership.

"Sir Roger has been in a good position to consider the requirements of leadership," Mr franks said.

"We've essentially been around New Zealand in a speech-making competition. Members and the wider public have had some chance to compare on other things through their questions, but a Party leader needs more than people can weigh from a public speaking campaign.

"I know members have been asking for the views of people they believe to have closer experience. Although Sir Roger Douglas has not specifically endorsed any one candidate, I believe his reminder of key requirements is relevant.

"Sir Roger has long been concerned that ACT's best known faces were type-cast as `bovver boys' in the public mind, and shares our frustration at ACT's seeming inability to move past the block that has held us at less than half the high levels of support for our policies.

"Last week, I asked Sir Roger to endorse my bid to become the leader of the ACT Parliamentary Party. He referred me to his website. He said he would say something on leadership, but the comments were general and not for the benefit of any single candidate," Mr Franks said.

ENDS

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