 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Leader's LetterJuly 2004
President's ReportIt really is frustrating when old habits are hard and long held personal views get in the way of facts. MMP has been operating in this country since 1996 and still people get 'precious' about whether New Zealand First is supporting National or Labour at any given moment. The fact that we are the only non-aligned party in Parliament does not carry the weight it should. Even I get concerned if I read in the newspaper that New Zealand First is a party of the left or of the right because our position in the middle of the political spectrum is very important to our future. Whether we like it or not, there is definitely a view amongst people that New Zealand First will "keep them honest". I have questioned people about this when they have said this to me and their statement applies to both National and Labour, but includes the other political parties as well. Our leader is seen to be the guy who holds others to account and is fearless in the face of "Big Brother" whether that is government or big business. New Zealand First has developed an identity and by being careful to stay in the middle it is an identity that favours no sides, either left or right. To my mind that is exactly where we should be. As we move closer to the next election, it is important for us to focus on that which is important. So the purpose of my preamble is to demonstrate how neither National nor Labour is favoured by us, and we have gone to some trouble to establish that. Although other parties will talk of coalitions we will not. New Zealand First has one aim for the next election. That is to increase the number of MP's in Parliament in the name of New Zealand First. If we do that, all the other issues will fall into place. Doug Woolerton MP
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||