26 Sep 2008

Maori Party signals it could do deal with National

5:40 pm on 26 September 2008

The Maori Party is signalling it is prepared to go into coalition with the National Party after the election.

That is good news for National, which has ruled out doing any deal with minority party New Zealand First.

Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples has said the party will consider doing a post-election deal with National.

Another Maori Party MP, Hone Harawira, agrees it is a possibility.

Mr Harawira says the problem with the Labour Party is that it is working in the Maori seats to destroy the Maori Party, while National poses no competition.

The election will be held on 8 November.