By Political Editor Duncan Garner
Winston Peters has reacted to Prime Minister John Key’s comments - where he said he wouldn’t rule out working with NZ First - by saying he wouldn’t rule it out either.
Mr Peters says he'll "cross that bridge" when he comes to the 2014 elections, but that's where the truce ended.
He is angry that the Prime Minister ruled him in 2011 and 2008.
“Now he's been found out because he has no more friends,” says Mr Peters.
And today he let loose.
“He lied about me. He simply lied about me.”
But that doesn't mean these two won't work together. Mr Key's political principle now appears completely tradable as his coalition options collapse around him.
“Come and ask me in 2014 and I'll give you an answer,” says Mr Key.
He blamed 3 News today for telling the truth about what National is contemplating.
“Nothing has changed. It's Duncan just interviewing his microphone.”
But 3 News can confirm National strategists are openly looking at Mr Peters as an option and Mr Key even got close to confirming it.
“MMP demands that you work with other parties, and in 2014 we'll make that call,” says Mr Key.
“It just shows you how flexible his so-called standards are,” says Mr Peters.
So just remember Mr Key's position on Mr Peters - it's “not about political convenience but about political principle”. And yes, desperate times will always call for desperate measures, but Mr Key's credibility is on the line over this, especially if he ditches his so-called principles.
3 News
source: newshub archive
