6 December 1999
UNITED CONGRATULATES LABOUR AND ALLIANCE ON COALITION AGREEMENT
United New Zealand leader, Hon Peter Dunne, has congratulated the Labour and Alliance Parties on today’s Coalition
Agreement.
He says the Agreement is very similar in form and content to the National/United Coalition Agreement in 1996, and sets
the benchmark for future Coalition Agreements.
“This Agreement sets out a clear process by which two Parties of similar views can govern effectively.”
“It avoids the fatal mistake of the National/New Zealand First Coalition Agreement which placed that Government in a
straightjacket from the day one, and made its demise inevitable.”
“The objective ahead now for Labour and the Alliance must be to govern in a manner which ensures the Alliance is seen to
be making a full and proper contribution.”
“However, the problem for Labour is that the more influence the Alliance is seen to have, the more middle New Zealand
will be frightened off, and the more the Government’s support will slip.”
“Resolving this paradox and remaining intact to provide stable government will be the new administration’s greatest
challenge,” he says.
Mr Dunne says that where the new Government introduces policies which fit United’s principles and policies he will
support it; and, where it does not, he will not support it.
ENDS
New Zealand’s Liberal Party
MEDIA STATEMENT
HON PETER DUNNE, MP
LEADER UNITED NEW ZEALAND
Parliament Buildings, Wellington 1.
h (04)471 9410 or (025) 469 808. Fax (04)499 7266.
e-mail: peter.dunne@parliament.govt.nz. Internet Address: http://www.united.org.nz
New Zealand’s Liberal Party