International Campaign Against Terrorism Too Important For Silly Political Games
United Future leader, Hon Peter Dunne, says the international campaign against terrorism is too important to become
side-tracked by silly political games.
He was commenting in the wake of the Alliance's review of its support for the deployment of New Zealand's SAS troops,
and threats by National to also withdraw support over the disarray in the government.
"Stamping out the scourge of international terrorism and the choking fear it causes in people's minds is a far more
important concern than the selfish political agendas of particular political parties."
"All people have the right to live in peace, security and dignity, and that right remains severely threatened while
terrorism holds sway."
"That is why New Zealand should play its part in the international campaign, and why the narrow political squabbles now
taking place are so pathetic," he says.
Mr Dunne says the international campaign is also a chance for New Zealand to show it is not the isolationist state and
unreliable ally some claim in the wake of the government's defence policy.
"Yet, while the junior coalition partner dallies over its support and the major opposition party seeks to make cheap
political capital, the only certainty is that in the minds of the international community we will be seen as flaky and
unreliable."
"This is a time for leadership and sober judgement, not political cheap shots."
"New Zealanders have a right to expect no less from their political leaders, not the mind numbing banality of the last
48 hours," Mr Dunne says.
Ends