Poll Shows Defence is an Election Issue
Tuesday 16 Jul 2002
ACT leader Richard Prebble says he welcomes the results of a poll showing 60 percent of voters realise the importance
of New Zealand having an air strike squadron.
"The government's decision to disband the air combat force is an election issue because the Skyhawks have not yet been
sold. The planes could be restored to active service relatively cheaply," Mr Prebble said.
"Helen Clark's claim that the Skyhawks are `clapped out' is not true. This is demonstrated by the fact the government
is negotiating with an American company to sell the Skyhawks to provide training aircraft for the US air force.
"The latest poll shows Labour is out of touch with public opinion on the need for an air combat force - and it shows
opposition to the loss of the Skyhawks is growing," Mr Prebble said.
ENDS