Gerry Brownlee MP
National Party Shadow Leader of the House

6 August 2008

Helen Clark must explain polling activity

The National Party’s Shadow Leader of the House, Gerry Brownlee, says Helen Clark needs to explain the polling being done by UMR research on behalf of the Labour Party.

“Helen Clark has attempted to distance herself from the activities of Labour’s polling company, which is reportedly asking questions about whether people believe she’s handling the Winston Peters allegations well.

“This company has been connected with the Labour Party for years.

“While she’s at it Ms Clark might like to tell New Zealanders what she, or her staff, know about the same polling company asking leading questions on Labour’s behalf that suggest that John Key is ‘slippery’, and speculating about widespread cuts to public services if there are more meaningful tax cuts.”

Mr Brownlee notes that when previously asked about push polling, Helen Clark claimed ‘honest push polling’ was okay.

“The Prime Minister needs to define what ‘honest’ push polling is.

“National does not condone any attempt to manipulate public opinion in the guise of audience research.

“We intend to run an open and transparent campaign that focuses on the things that matter.

“Our opponents might want to roll around in the gutter, by secretly bugging personal conversations, hacking emails, and so called ‘honest push polling’.

“However, National is determined to run a positive campaign which is focussed on building a stronger economic future for New Zealand.”

ENDS

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