John Key MP National Party Finance Spokesman
02 August 2005
Critics defy Labour's bullyboy tactics
National Party Finance spokesman John Key is pleased that independent analysts have ignored Labour attempts to bully
them into silence over the deeply flawed loans scheme bribe.
"Labour's bullyboy tactics haven't worked. When a scheme is this poorly designed, independent analysts have a duty to
speak up on behalf of the taxpayer who will fund this election-year irresponsibility."
Mr Key is commenting after the National Bank today voiced its support for Westpac's warnings over the potential cost of
the scheme.
"Westpac has been singled out for the most extraordinary attacks by both the Prime Minister and Trevor Mallard. Labour
is now trying to shut down debate, after denying Treasury the opportunity to carry out a thorough analysis.
"The taxpayer deserves honesty from Labour on this. It's a hugely expensive bribe that sends all the wrong messages
about borrowing to our youth," says Mr Key.
ENDS