KEY POINTS:
We asked for your views on Labour's information booklet for the over 60s, which opponents described as political propaganda. Here are some of your responses.
The timing of distributing this book is not good but the worst thing is that all the politicians know that the information it contains cannot be relied on.
A change of Government any time and the boundaries could be changed. Once upon a time it was at age 60. Once it was 65 per cent. Believe nothing and you will not be disappointed.
- Eric Henderson, Massey
I was annoyed when I received a letter from Lynne Pillay our Labour MP, paid for with my tax dollars, stating that if we went down to her electorate office we could pick up a booklet that told us what we could claim. If it wasn't electioneering, why wasn't the booklet sent to every senior citizen in the country without an MP's photo on it and without having to request it?
- Pat Wootten, Henderson
It's initiative. It's clever and legal. It is prompt and decisive. All important for a good government.
- Nat Curnow
Just what you would expect from the intellectual left wing taxpayer funded propaganda machine. When will we ever learn?
- Robert Cadogan
What a waste of my money. National has my vote regardless of what they do and what comes out of their mouths from here on in.
- Robyn Davies
Having been caught out over spending taxpayers money in last election, Labour have had to have the help of willy old Jim Anderton to get a handout this time.
- Des Gardiner, Whangaparaoa
An abuse of privilege, with the MP's name and photo on the cover. It is advertising and if the law as it stands says the booklet is not advertising the law is an ass. The parliamentary crest is simply that, a crest. If we are to convey who paid for the booklet simply write "Paid for by Labour Party" or "Paid for by Taxpayers". Too simple really. When the Government does need to inform the public of policy and general information any approval on the cover should be of the form approved by the Minister of Social Welfare. No name, no party crest, no mugshot.
- Chris Hopper, Glendowie
I have no problem with contributing a few cents of my taxes towards informing the public of one of Labour's beneficial policies. With the Herald's consistent hostility, this is the Government's only chance to restore a modicum of balance. The media's support of National, which in law does not need to be declared, is worth millions of dollars to the party.
As the only daily paper on the market, like it or not, my subscription goes towards its bias which is more effective by often being too subtle to get a grip on. The few cents of my tax will only go part way towards making known one of the positive aspects of the Government's policies.
- Frank Hoffmann, Karaka
No. Just another very shabby act by a completely untrustworthy party hell bent on trying to cling to power at any cost. Mind you what else do you expect from a party whose leader thinks its quite OK to sign paintings she did not do.
- Barry Muntz, Tairua
