Media Statement
For immediate release
Tuesday, 7 June 2005

Dunne: Any deal with Peters is 1996 all over again

The fact that neither Labour nor National want to deal with Winston Peters, but would if it meant being in government, means any coalition involving him would automatically be unlikely to last, United Future leader Peter Dunne said today.

“We’re talking 1996 all over again and everyone knows it,” Mr Dunne said.

“Neither Labour nor National want to go anywhere near NZ First; they are the least trusted party in Parliament. And the corollary of that is that any Labour-NZ First or National-NZ First deal would by definition be unstable and unlikely to last.

“Stable government can’t exist without trust, and New Zealanders do not trust governments they don’t think can last.”

Mr Dunne said it was no coincidence that both Labour and National had indicated a clear preference for dealing with United Future after the election.

“When we say we’ll do something, we do it. We’re upfront and we deal straight - and the proof of that is the stability of government and the prosperity New Zealanders have enjoyed for the last three years.

“I have every confidence that when Kiwis get serious about looking for a coalition partner for Labour or National, they will realise that Winston is Winston and he’ll always be Winston.

“There is only one thing voters need to do: Remember 1996. Because I tell you: Labour and National remember it very well.”

Ends.

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