Nats try to divert focus from internal problems

The National Party is desperately trying to divert voters off internal party divisions, and damaging leaks, Co-ordinating Minister, Race Relations, Trevor Mallard said today.

"Now that National's only policy - tax cuts - has failed to fire as much as hoped, desperate Dr Brash is resorting to a rehash of Orewa. There is nothing new here,” Trevor Mallard said.

“He is also desperate to take the focus off the internal divisions in his party.

"People in his own party have leaked a series of damaging emails showing Business Roundtable backing for Dr Brash. These National supporters are clearly worried about this sort of radical right wing influence, and think voters have a right to know just who is behind Dr Brash.

"The Nats could take a lesson from the All Blacks in leadership on cultural issues and how to celebrate what makes our country great. The new haka at the weekend was an incredibly powerful symbol of our cultural diversity and I am sure most New Zealanders were behind the All Blacks all the way.

"Labour believes our country has to move forward together in the interests of New Zealand. National has no positive agenda. Under Labour, Maori are actually getting ahead and contributing to New Zealand economically and socially - but National just wants to knock them back.

“Dr Brash is proposing a totally unrealistic deadline for treaty settlements, that is likely to lead to more grievances.

"Also Dr Brash shows his ignorance - Treaty settlement negotiations can already bypass the Waitangi Tribunal through direct negotiations between the Crown and Maori.

"All that National has proposed for various government agencies is to ‘look very closely’ at them. This is pathetic, and is even more watered down than the usual National Party, ‘let’s review it’ catch cry. National again shows it is not fit to govern.

“The speech, just like Jaws II, proves that a sequel is bound to be a disappointment,” Trevor Mallard said.

ENDS

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