National's Tax Cuts lack bite

• Michael Cullen responds to National's policy
• Graphic: Labour and National's tax cuts
• PM responds to National's plans
• National's tax policy announcement
• Key announces KiwiSaver policy
• National Party Tax Package (in full)

As I said this morning National's tax cut package is politically very good and will take it to Labour in a big way but unfortunately aspects of it are just unpractical and extremely unfair.

It targets Labour voters at the lower end and also gives good cuts to upper income earners.

It is the sort of tax package that Labour would put together- even though Cullen has been crying foul today-but were clearly caught napping on this one.

The cuts were not deep enough and didn't incentivize the lower paid to earn more. 

Additionally those that are taxed the most at the upper end are still paying too much.

I don't like National's tax package at all. It is too weak and lacks the punch needed in these turbulent economic times, but will win the votes come election day.

c Political Animal 2008