From the press room
Dunne: UF now crucial post-election – 2008-08-28
John Key’s decisions to rule out both Winston Peters and Sir Roger Douglas from Ministerial consideration should he lead the next government puts UnitedFuture in a critical position, says leader Peter Dunne.
“Mr Key is going to need partners after the next election if he is going to form a government.
“He has effectively ruled out New Zealand First, and now seems to be raising doubts about Act as well; the Maori Party or the Greens are unlikely to do a deal with National; and the Progressives are long since spoken for, all of which leaves UnitedFuture in clear air,” he says.
Mr Dunne says UnitedFuture’s credentials as a genuine centre party and a reliable partner for successive governments are unchallengeable.
“We have supported both Labour-led and National-led governments reliably, and without scandal, with an unerring focus on keeping them honest and moderating their excesses, without pandering to the extreme ends of the political spectrum.
“We are ready to play that role once more in the interests of good and stable government, and ensuring that the interests of mainstream New Zealand families are represented at the government table,” he says.
ends