John Key MP
National Party Finance Spokesman
1 June 2006
Cullen shoots the messenger over Budget
Finance Minister Michael Cullen’s attack on the media over how his Budget has been portrayed shows his career is in its
death throes, says National Finance spokesman John Key.
“Dr Cullen’s irrational and personal attacks on TVNZ's, the New Zealand Herald's, and the Dominion Post's Press Gallery
staff in an interview tonight on One News show he’s a man buckling under pressure.
“He’s blaming the media for his blundered Budget, but he’s shooting the messenger.
“The One News poll last Sunday showed voters support tax cuts – which Dr Cullen failed to deliver in his Bondi Budget.
“But the public knows a massive surplus when they see one.
“Dr Cullen has clearly lost the support of the Prime Minister with her carefully targeted comments to the Listener about
his future.
“Those comments were designed to allow her to distance herself from what was another disappointing Michael Cullen
Budget.
“Now, after another failed Budget, Dr Cullen will have lost the support of the Labour Caucus.
“But most importantly he’s lost the support of the public, and he knows it.
“The only thing sinking faster than this Budget is Michael Cullen’s credibility.”
ENDS