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Goff is safe, Labour continues to raise contentious issues

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Tue, 08 Dec 2009 2:59p.m.

Labour leader Phil Goff will remain in the party after today's caucus

Labour leader Phil Goff will remain in the party after today's caucus

The Labour Party is vowing that it will not be silenced from speaking out on controversial issues like race relations.

Deputy leader Annette King spoke after the opposition's caucus meeting today which discussed Phil Goff's nationhood speech.

He was criticised for playing the 'race card', leading to reports that some of his own MPs were upset.

But Ms King says Mr Goff's leadership is safe and always has been.

“Never in doubt, and we had a very positive caucus today and we have all resolved that we will continue to raise issues of concern for all New Zealanders, honestly and openly, and it’s our job as the opposition to do that.”

Party President Andrew Little confirmed there has been plenty of debate about the issue.

“The party is supportive of Phil, the New Zealand Council is supportive of Phil, the members, collectively, are supportive of Phil. But we are the Labour Party, we like to debate and discuss issues; we always have and we always will.”

Mr Little says there have not been any resignations from Labour over Mr Goff's speech.

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Comments

10 Dec 2009 01:27p.m.

Ricardo wrote:

Lets not fool ourselves, both sides suck up to Maori when it suits. Sadly Maori are too dumb to realise they are being used, which explains why they are quickly becoming irrelevant in our multicultural makeup.

08 Dec 2009 06:35p.m.

Nick wrote:

Goff wasn't being racist, but its still dangerous to play the race card.

08 Dec 2009 05:10p.m.

How wrote:

How is this racist? He said National are giving Maori preferential treatment in exchange for support in the house. Which is true, and highly ironic considering it's what National wrongly accused Labour of when they were in power. Labour actually were the ones with the testicular fortitude to stand up to racist Maori and pass the foreshore and seabed law - whislt all National could do was whip up some silly billboards.

08 Dec 2009 05:08p.m.

Mike B wrote:

I have not got much time for Goff, but I don't believe his comments are racist.
Its a fact that there is a culture of preferential treatment for Maori, its easier to label someone a racist rather than try and confront the truth.

08 Dec 2009 03:53p.m.

Brad wrote:

Goff plays the race card and nothing happens in the polls - if anything they drop. Why? Because no one actually cares what Goff says or thinks. Lame duck.

08 Dec 2009 03:33p.m.

Alien wrote:

desperate people let their racist side show, goff is desperate. Just shows you can't trust labours word either. One moment they are supportive of this dreadful bill being changed, now, well Goff just likes to think he speaks for the racist hicks in this country