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Did Banks Tell Brash to Shut up on Welfare Reform
Did Banks Tell Brash to Shut up on Welfare Reform
ACT’s Epsom candidate John Banks appears to be conceding that he has been vetoing Don Brash’s speeches.
Mr Banks made the concession today on TV3’s “The Nation” which reported internal National Party polling showing the party might not win Epsom if National did not need ACT in Parliament to form a Government.
Mr Banks was asked whether earlier this week he vetoed a proposed speech by Dr Brash on welfare.
I have had a look at a lot of Don's speeches, and I've said to him every time, you understand the economy very well Don. The people of Epsom want you to speak about the economy.
“I've told him he needs to stay on the economy because he's best qualified to talk on the economy.” Said Mr Banks.
“There's nothing wrong with giving speeches on the welfare but Don doesn’t have an experience on talking on welfare.
“I support the government's plans for welfare reform, but I don’t support anyone on the doorsteps of Epsom talking about anything too much more.”
Asked who was actually running the party, Mr Banks said: “Don Brash is the leader of the party.”
“Nation” interviewer Duncan Garner then asked:” Who's running it? You're running it?”
Mr Banks replied: “‘I’ve got plenty to say, because I've been around for 36 years around politics.”
Mr Banks also appeared to be agree that he was behind a sudden decision by Dr Brash to withdraw from a proposed debate on “The Nation” next week on the Treaty of Waitangi.
Asked why Dr Brash whether he knew Dr Brash was going to pull out, Mr Banks said: “I talk about the fact that 50% of all young people Maori people, in Northland, are on the scrap heap when there's so much work to be done in the forests, on the sea, and out in the workplace. Why don’t we have them in apprenticeships, and post school training? That’s what I talk about when I talk about Maori issues.”
Dr Brash’s emphasis however on his “one law for all” opposition to the partnership ideas enshrined in the Treaty.
Mr Banks was also asked whether Dr Brash might be replaced as leader at a meeting of ACT’s board next weekend.
“It's always a possibility, but it isn't going to happen, it isn't going to happen. The ACT Party Board is committed to Don Brash's leadership.”
The Nation is produced by Front Page Ltd for TV3 and NZ on Air.
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