Shane Jones' Freudian slip reveals Labour's worst fears
Dr Pita Sharples; Co-leader, Maori Party
Wednesday 18 July 2007
"The statement made this morning on National Radio by Labour List MP, Shane Jones, that "the problem with the Maori" is
that "number one, they've been duped by Labour" has revealed a huge Achilles heel for the Labour Party", says Dr Pita
Sharples, Co-Leader of the Maori Party.
"It's been a bad week for the Government" said Dr Sharples.
"On Monday, the Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Cullen, admitted the Government is facing a battle to remain in power,
following another bad polling result with Labour some twelve points behind National" said Dr Sharples.
"Later that day, Ministers Annette King and Pete Hodgson concede they do not have the numbers for their flawed
Trans-Tasman Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill to proceed, and so the flagship bill is put on the back-burner".
"Then yesterday, two more of their senior members, Dover Samuels and Paul Swain, let slip that they'll be joining Marion
Hobbs in leaving the Labour ship".
"And hello, today, Mr Jones seems destined for a collision with his revelation that Labour had duped Maori" said Dr
Sharples.
"Not that this is news to Maori of course" said Dr Sharples.
"It's about trust" continued Dr Sharples.
"Our people have told us they could never trust a party that would confiscate the foreshore and seabed; vote with NZ
First to delete the Treaty from legislation; allow Landcorp to sell off iwi land; do deals with the fisheries industry
without talking with the Maori fishing sector; or enforce a Treaty settlement policy which is unfair both in process and
outcome" said Dr Sharples.
"While it's been a bad week for Labour, it's all looking up for Maori" said Dr Sharples.
"The announcement, finally, from National that they do not have the courage to stand up against the Government, and vote
to repeal the Foreshore and Seabed Act makes it absolutely clear in the eyes of the general public: there is little, if
any, difference between the two old parties in Parliament" said Dr Sharples.
"Labour and National play the same game" said Dr Sharples. "It doesn't matter how you dress it up, or whether it is red
or blue on display - the message remains the same: no justice for Maori".
"This week in politics, just like any other, reinforces how vital it is to have the Maori Party - a strong and
independent Maori voice - in Parliament" ended Dr Sharples.
ENDS