3 April, 2002
Talk To Us About Legislation, Confidence And Supply: Peters
“The bloody-minded pursuit of power that today will see the demise of the Alliance Party undermines MMP but need not
alienate the will of the people,” New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters said today.
“New Zealanders clearly voted for a change in 1999 and neither faction of the dying Alliance can take any credit for
their unprincipled behaviour. The baubles of office have caused Jim Anderton and his faction to move away from his Party
and the electorate has once again been sacrificed to disgraceful power games.
“In its indecent scramble to achieve office the Alliance signed a motherhood and apple pie statement that could never
serve as the basis for policy delivery that would satisfy its membership. Today’s dissolution was inevitable from that
moment.
“What is of more immediate concern is the political stability of the country. On issues of legislation, supply and
confidence, as in the recent past, New Zealand First expects the government will talk to us. We have demonstrated our
ability to be both co-operative and responsible and expect the Prime Minister to recognise this. We are not prepared to
stand by while the democratic wishes of the electorate are subjugated as they have been today,” Mr Peters said.
ENDS