"Next they will be open to an Army without guns!'

"The Post reports:

"The Labour Party is open to the idea of a frigate-less Defence Force, saying it’s yet to take a position on replacing the ageing Anzac-class fleet.

"Next they will be open to an Army without guns!

"O’Connor said Labour hadn’t completely ruled out upgrading the frigates, though it was worth considering the technological advancements – and steep cost.
    "'We will have to maintain marine capability – how that is structured is for future discussions when in government.'
    "'Money always plays a factor but the commitment to our [Cook Strait] ferries is probably more important than the commitment to the frigates at this point in time.'

"This is a staggering comment by Labour’s spokes[things]. He is saying that they regard the Cook Strait ferries as more important than our navy, There are private ferry operators such as Bluebridge. But it is a core responsibility of the state to defend the country."

~ David Farrar from his post 'Does Labour want a navy without combat ships?' [emphasis added in Farrar's original post]