Prebble takes swipe at ally's campaign

National's campaign strategy has come under attack from its potential coalition partner, the Act Party.

Act leader Richard Prebble says that with teachers on strike, interest rates rising, commodity prices falling and Labour having no re-election programme, National's task should have been easy.

"But I ask you: what are the three issues National is campaigning on?" he said yesterday in a speech to the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce.

"I genuinely do not know, and I am their coalition ally."

Mr Prebble said Sunday's campaign launches by National and Labour were vital for both parties, because they were going to have to show voters their policies.

"After three years in Opposition, where are the fresh, new ideas? I hope that on Sunday we will see them."

Mr Prebble said that despite Labour's huge lead in the polls, the election was still "wide open".

Labour had no vision, no policy and no programme, he said.

"The only reason given is 'stability'. From a Government that is calling a snap election because its coalition partner has disintegrated and its only [potential] coalition partner is the very unstable Green Party, this is an extraordinary claim."

The only way the Greens could have influence was through Labour, because there was no way they would ever co-operate with National or Act.

"Labour is the Greens' door to power.

"When voters realise that Labour supporters are the least likely to turn out, and that Labour can govern only with the Greens, much of Labour's vote is going to shift back to National and Act."

* Act has joined National in promising to restore the Air Force's combat capability.

Mr Prebble said squadrons could be "reconstituted" using the old Skyhawks and Aermacchi trainers.

The Skyhawks could be recommissioned for $30 million.

- NZPA

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