Dunne ready to talk about role in Government

By BERNARD ORSMAN

10.00pm - The leader of United Future, Peter Dunne, arrived at the Backbencher pub in Wellington at 9.35pm to rapturous applause from about 140 cheering supporters.

Mr Dunne, whose party holds nine seats in the new Parliament at this point in the vote counting, said it was unclear what the shape of the new Government would be.

"But it is clear that United Future will have a role to play in that Government."

Mr Dunne said he would not talk about any possible deals, arrangements or coalitions or party bottom lines. He said New Zealanders want to see a sensible, stable government and he gave a pledge to work for that in the next little while.

Mr Dunne, who had been a lone MP in Parliament these past six years, said he would hold the first caucus of United Future on Tuesday.

United Future has swept to success on a plank of family-friendliness, and has also promised to reward thrift and enterprise, welcome innovation, celebrate multicultural diversity, and provide "compassionate support for those in need".

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