Media Statement
For immediate release
Wednesday, 9 February 2005
Alexander: Public opinion, George - give it a burl!
United Future law and order spokesman Marc Alexander today tipped off Police Minister George Hawkins to a survey that
might bring him around to the view that Kiwis place a higher value on police fighting violent crime than fining speeding
drivers.
"It was called the Norm Withers petition, George, and some 307,832 New Zealanders signed it because they want police to
fight crime; because they want longer jail sentences and because they want themselves and their loved ones to sleep safe
at night.
"Strangely enough, they didn't push hard for ticketing everyone doing 55km/h in a 50km/h zone - but when 300,000 Kiwis
tell us that's what they want, George, I promise to let you know," Mr Alexander said.
Ends.