Nationals Leader Michael McCormack has defended his party's decision to preference One Nation above Labor and the Greens, saying they are "more aligned" with Pauline Hanson's party.
Speaking at the National Press Club, the deputy prime minister was blunt about the reason for the deal as the Nationals battle to hold several key marginal seats at the 18 May election.
"You have to do what it takes to get votes and to win at an election," he said.
"The fact is that the National Party policies, probably closer align with One Nation, than they ever will with the Greens or Labor."
