6 Oct 2008

Key part of the world economic crisis, says Peters

10:13 am on 6 October 2008

Winston Peters linked the National Party leader John Key to the global economic crisis as his New Zealand First party officially launched its election campaign on Sunday.

About 450 party faithful squeezed into an Auckland conference centre for the event, which included entertainment from singer John Rowles.

Mr Peters was welcomed on to the stage with a standing ovation from the largely elderly crowd.

He told them that this is a crunch election, and that his party is promising to protect and save New Zealand.

Mr Peters was scathing in his criticism of National, saying it has low standards, and linking Mr Key to the global economic crisis.

"The crisis facing the Western world has been caused by greed, shonky business practises and merchant bankers. And one of them even wants to be the prime minister of this country," he said.

He listed the party's economic policies, saying New Zealand First has a real plan to drive down interest rates.

Mr Peters told supporters the party is not guilty of fraud, despite a Serious Fraud Office investigation into donations to the party.