Brethren won't be breaking out bubbly

Exclusive Brethren members have refused to comment on the election outcome, saying they are not political experts and have no agenda.

Members of the sect, who were responsible for anonymous pamphlets attacking Labour and the Greens and have had meetings with National leader Don Brash and Act leader Rodney Hide, chose to not return phone calls or were coy when asked about early election results.

Auckland businessman Neville Simmons, one of the seven Brethren members to admit responsibility for the pamphlets, said it would be unwise to comment.

"[The Exclusive Brethren] are not political experts [and don't] have an agenda to drive. We just feel passionately about where the country was headed and wanted to inform people."

He later admitted he'd be delighted by a change of Government but refused to explain why.

He added that he would not be celebrating with a bottle of bubbly if National won.

"I actually don't like bubbly that much."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY