Bridges: We’ll be back in 2020
People were turned away while others braved the cold to listen through open windows to National Party leader Simon Bridges.
His popularity among Cambridge voters was evident when he presented at the town’s community and health centre on Taylor St.
‘‘In politics the job of leader of the Opposition is as popular as the person who cleans out the sewers. It’s got to be done but no one wants it.’’ Bridges said.
He told the crowd of 300 mainly elderly people, for the past 18 years the country had political stability under leaders Helen Clark, John Key and Bill English.
‘‘But as this world changes, expect it to become more volatile. This government has raised the expectations of the electorate and now it has to deliver,’’ he said.
Bridges was on a nationwide tour, which included visiting towns throughout the Waikato.
He told the Cambridge crowd that he was mindful New Zealand was experiencing a generational change.
‘‘We have to hold onto the strong foundations this country was built upon and ensure we remain as the land of opportunity. If we don’t we will see the exodus of young people leaving our shores again.’’
Questions raised by the public ranged from education to poli- cing. The main discussion point was the lack of certainty around the extension to the Waikato Expressway between Hamilton and Piarere.
‘‘As transport minister I had signed off, on the construction of this stage.
‘‘This Government won’t do the expressway, instead they will pump around $20 million into safety improvements.’’
‘‘We are talking about our main road here SH1, it should be a four-lane expressway. It has to be done.’’
Doctors fees, MMP, tree planting, law and order, education, housing and consensus among parties were some of the other topics raised.
Earlier Bridges spoke to a smaller crowd of 48 business people in Cambridge.
The Government’s decision on the gas industry and its impact on the Waikato was a hot topic.
‘‘Dairy companies, hospitals, who were among some industries who were reliant on gas to keep their plants going, would be forced to look for alternatives,’’ he said.
‘‘The importation of coal would be an alternative but would only raise our carbon footprint further.’’
Bridges was disappointed people had been turned away from the Cambridge venue and promised to return.
His message to National supporters and New Zealanders was simple.
‘‘Keep the faith, National will be back in Government in 2020,’’ he said.