PM puts her best gumboot forward

HAMILTON - If it weren't for your (cheap) gumboots where would you be?

Prime Minister Jenny Shipley waded into the free-trade debate yesterday, saying that along with a new ute and other farm equipment, the essential rural footwear is cheaper as a result of tariff cuts.

In a speech to rural women in Hamilton, Mrs Shipley said New Zealand, as host of Apec, would not drag the chain on free trade, despite concerns about the speed of our tariff reductions.

In a move seemingly aimed at shoring up support in the rural heartland, she said Deputy Prime Minister Wyatt Creech would launch on Friday a nationwide tour dubbed "National is working for the country." Education Minister Nick Smith would launch the South Island leg.

"We know clearly where our party has come from and we know clearly who our supporters are. And we will go back there to build on that relationship and to hear what the people require of us," Mrs Shipley said.

The Government would "be there for farmers and their families" and would maintain social services for rural communities.