Shane Jones' Freudian slip reveals Labour's worst fears

Dr Pita Sharples; Co-leader, Maori Party

Wednesday 18 July 2007

"The statement made this morning on National Radio by Labour List MP, Shane Jones, that "the problem with the Maori" is that "number one, they've been duped by Labour" has revealed a huge Achilles heel for the Labour Party", says Dr Pita Sharples, Co-Leader of the Maori Party.

"It's been a bad week for the Government" said Dr Sharples.

"On Monday, the Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Cullen, admitted the Government is facing a battle to remain in power, following another bad polling result with Labour some twelve points behind National" said Dr Sharples.

"Later that day, Ministers Annette King and Pete Hodgson concede they do not have the numbers for their flawed Trans-Tasman Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill to proceed, and so the flagship bill is put on the back-burner".

"Then yesterday, two more of their senior members, Dover Samuels and Paul Swain, let slip that they'll be joining Marion Hobbs in leaving the Labour ship".

"And hello, today, Mr Jones seems destined for a collision with his revelation that Labour had duped Maori" said Dr Sharples.

"Not that this is news to Maori of course" said Dr Sharples.

"It's about trust" continued Dr Sharples.

"Our people have told us they could never trust a party that would confiscate the foreshore and seabed; vote with NZ First to delete the Treaty from legislation; allow Landcorp to sell off iwi land; do deals with the fisheries industry without talking with the Maori fishing sector; or enforce a Treaty settlement policy which is unfair both in process and outcome" said Dr Sharples.

"While it's been a bad week for Labour, it's all looking up for Maori" said Dr Sharples.

"The announcement, finally, from National that they do not have the courage to stand up against the Government, and vote to repeal the Foreshore and Seabed Act makes it absolutely clear in the eyes of the general public: there is little, if any, difference between the two old parties in Parliament" said Dr Sharples.

"Labour and National play the same game" said Dr Sharples. "It doesn't matter how you dress it up, or whether it is red or blue on display - the message remains the same: no justice for Maori".

"This week in politics, just like any other, reinforces how vital it is to have the Maori Party - a strong and independent Maori voice - in Parliament" ended Dr Sharples.

ENDS

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