By Political Editor Duncan Garner
John Key has laid down a provocative challenge to the Maori Party, saying he doesn’t believe they will walk from his Government over asset sales.
If they do, the Prime Minister says he has a rock solid 61 votes – but just a one-seat majority.
It started with a protest at Parliament this morning, meant to be a show of anger over asset sales – but only about 60 people felt aggrieved enough to show up.
A rent-a-mob, all with their own cause - the unhappy organiser picking a fight with Winston Peters over whether he would even speak.
“If you lie, f*** off – now speak the truth of f*** off,” he said. “Tell the truth or f*** off Winston.”
In the end, Mr Peters spoke and the others got more on-message – although slightly tongue tied.
“We will fight until we drop, until we stop the sale of state-owned assets,” Labour MP Clayton Cosgrove said.
Meanwhile, one party was noticeably absent.
“I’m kind disappointed, but not surprised, that the Maori Party is not here today,” Mana MP Hone Harawira told reporters.
They couldn’t be found inside either; the Maori Party co-leaders’ seats were empty – a bit like their threat to walk away from Mr Key’s Government unless he inserts a relevant treaty clause in new legislation covering asset sales, to protect Maori rights.
Mr Key reckons they won’t walk and he won’t back away from selling the assets.
“If you’re asking me in three years time the same question, then I believe the Maori Party will be in this Government giving confidence and supply,” he said.
Meanwhile, Labour Party leader David Shearer calls it a “shambles”.
“It’s come off the rails,” he said.
But if the Maori Party walk, Mr Key will still govern with 61 votes – a one seat majority which he calls “rock solid”, telling 3 News he felt “extremely relaxed”.
All eyes are now on the Maori Party, who are encouraging iwi to go to court.
Soon, the party will have to make a decision about whether to walk.
“They haven’t given me any reason to believe that it can’t be resolved,” Mr Key said.
Mr Harawira says they won’t go.
“I think it will be hard for them, given how much they have invested in this relationship.”
The Maori Party is under increasing pressure to walk – but to where?
They would have to share opposition with Labour, Winston Peters, the Greens and the old nemesis Mr Harawira – and National would continue to govern anyway.
Mr Key’s prediction that they won’t walk is slightly provocative, but he is adamant what he calls an “elegant solution” will be found shortly.
3 News