Finance Minister Michael Cullen needs to apply an economic band aid to stop the current crisis of confidence in the New Zealand economy, says United New Zealand leader, Hon Peter Dunne.

"However, the band aid should not be slapped on the economy, but on the Minister's own lips."

"His big mouth, and his arrogance that he only he understands the economy are at the root of many of our current problems."

"While it is true that the current dollar downturn is influenced by offshore factors, it is equally true that levels of domestic business confidence and our consequent capacity to recover from this shock have been severely dented by both Dr Cullen's policies and his ever wagging tongue."

"Dr Cullen is fond of saying the period of 'hands off' economic management is over."

"Given his dismal performance to date, New Zealanders now facing higher taxes, higher interest rates, rising debt, and rising unemployment will be earnestly hoping the period of 'mouth shut' economic management is about to begin," Mr Dunne says.

ENDS