New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is "unfazed" by National Party leader Simon Bridges' announcement on Sunday, where he ruled the party out as a potential coalition partner after the 2020 General Election.
"Let me say this - he's got a lot to learn about politics. Narrowing your options can be the worst strategic move you will ever make," Peters said.
"Having been in politics a long time, and a member of the National Party for over 25 years, the one thing New Zealand First is confident about is that if voters deliver that possibility, and if Mr Bridges doesn't pick up the phone, someone else within his caucus will do it for him.
"He has also demonstrated he has no insight into what a unified caucus looks like," Peters said.
"As Douglas McArthur said, there'll come a time soon when he'll when want to see me much more than I want to see him."
In Bridges' announcement on Sunday, he said he doesn't believe the National Party can work with New Zealand First and have a "constructive trusting relationship".
"When National was negotiating in good faith with NZ First after the last election, its leader was suing key National MPs and staff. I don't trust NZ First and I don't believe New Zealanders can either."
Bridges is following the lead of former National Prime Minister John Key, who ruled out working with Peters and New Zealand First in 2005 and 2008.
