Clark/Key Shut Down Democratic Debate

ACT Leader Rodney Hide today said that he was shocked to learn that TV3 had cancelled the all-Leaders' debate following National Leader John Key agreeing with Prime Minister Helen Clark to boycott the debate.

"TV3 has gutlessly caved-in to what Helen Clark wants - an election with no political debate. It's shocking that John Key has gone along with Helen Clark, but truly appalling that TV3 has given in to the Prime Minister and cut out the MMP Parties and true political debate," Mr Hide said.

"Helen Clark knows she can match John Key. She doesn't want to have to debate anyone else, or to appear onstage with Winston Peters. And TV3 has agreed. TV3 has become a key part of Helen Clark's anti-democratic and anti-free speech election campaign.

"We are not allowed to campaign and say what we want without government authorisation, and now TV3 has pushed the MMP Parties off the air because that's what Helen Clark wants.

"It's a sad day for media broadcasting that TV3 has so gutlessly caved in.

"National Party Leader John Key also has to accept responsibility for shutting out dissenting voices and not allowing New Zealanders an informed vote. He has made a political career out of agreeing with Helen Clark and has now signed up with Clark to shut down debate.

"I'm sure New Zealanders will see this for what it is. We need a change of government. But more especially we need a change of direction - the only way to achieve that is to Party vote ACT," Mr Hide said.