One Dunne deal, two to go

Published: 9:43AM Friday November 14, 2008 Source: NZPA

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National has locked in a deal with UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne for support arrangements, with Act and the Maori Party likely to follow soon.

Dunne says he and National have concluded negotiations and agreed a deal.

"It's not signed yet, but the agreement is complete," he told NZPA.

The two parties will sign the agreement once Dunne is shown the deals with Act and the Maori Party - to ensure there are no inconsistencies in the policy concessions handed out.

Dunne will not comment on the ministerial role he will receive, but he is expected to retain the Revenue Minister position he held under Labour.

Act leader Rodney Hide has said progress is being made on policy in his party's negotiation with National.

It is likely his deputy Heather Roy will be offered the consumer affairs minister position outside Cabinet and Hide is also likely to get a business-related position.

The Maori Party are conducting 40 hui getting feedback on whether they should support National in return for policy concessions on the Maori seats and the foreshore and seabed legislation and ministerial positions outside Cabinet.

The party says it has been getting positive feedback from hui.

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia says the constituency wants the party to be in "a strong position of influence, to look out for their interests" and there had  been no dissension.

The party's Te Tai Tokerau MP, Hone Harawira, rates support at about 98%.

The party has assured people that it will remain outside Cabinet and keep its independence while making advances for Maori.

"If it's possible for us to get appointments with budgetary responsibility outside of Cabinet and the trade-off is not something too nasty, then why not?"

Labour leader Phil Goff says the party is binding itself to National for three years without knowing what its policies would be. Turia says the remarks are "bloody patronising".

With the Maori Party, Act and UnitedFuture giving confidence and supply National would have 70 votes, an overwhelming majority against the 52 held by Labour  and the Greens.

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