National has again raised fears that its parliamentary email
system is being hacked into, after another leak - this time about a
group of secret advisors.
National may once again be using Australian polling and image
consultancy firm Crosby Textor, which were the same image makers
when Don Brash led the National Party in 2003-2006, but is refusing
to confirm or deny claims made by journalist Nicky Hager that the
firm is providing support to its leader John Key.
It is not that the National Party is using Crosby Textor that is the issue - it is that this information has been revealed to the press by Nicky Hager of the Hollow Man fame. That book contributed to Brash's downfall.
It indicates Hager is still receiving sensitive information on National's communications.
While the National Party has always said it believes that someone hacked into its computer system at parliament, the incident has raised fears that there could be someone within the party that is passing on sensitive information to Hager.
ONE News asked National Party deputy leader Bill English on the party using Crosby Textor, but he made it clear that they would not comment on individual contractors.
While this may be a non-issue for most, as every major party including Labour, use polling companies and image consultants, there are fears as to why the National Party is choosing to be secretive about the consultants that it uses.
The Greens were one of the first parties to say they are concerned that National was using the services of the Australian firm.
Green Party co-leader Russel Norman says people have a right to know and National should come clean on any dealings with Crosby Textor, a company renowed for using dirty political tactics.
Norman says National should be running a clean campaign.
