7 September 2005

Winston wants a bob each way

The Green Party is warning Winston Peters that his announcement on coalitions this afternoon will do nothing to arrest his polling slide.

"Winston Peters can't have it both ways," Co-Leader Rod Donald says. "He can't expect to recover in the polls while continuing his refusal to declare whether his first coalition preference is Labour or National.

"NZ First's slide in the polls is a direct result of Winston saying he doesn't care whether Don Brash or Helen Clark is Prime Minister.

"Everyone else in the country can see that there are stark differences in their leadership styles and the direction they would take our country. Brash is a prophet of the New Right and would take New Zealand backwards, whereas Helen Clark has learnt the lessons of Rogernomics and recognises that the economy needs to serve the people, not the other way round.

Mr Donald said he welcomed Mr Peters' statement that he wouldn't support any government with Green or Act MPs in Cabinet.

"We're grateful with Winston Peters for laying down a bottom line that he would not support Labour if in coalition with the Greens. That strengthens our hand in the campaign, and reinforces the need for progressive voters to ensure we win enough seats to form a majority government with Labour and the Progressives. A party vote for the Greens will save Helen from having to jump into Winston's arms."

ENDS

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