The NSW coalition has increased its criticism of Labor's preference deal with the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers following the deadly Christchurch terror attacks.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Sunday called for Opposition Leader Michael Daley to cut ties with the Shooters, a party she said wanted to put guns in the hands of 10-year-olds.
"It concerns me because it legitimises a party, being the Shooters, who support the reduction or dilution of our gun laws," Ms Berejiklian told reporters.
Mr Daley was forced to rule out weakening NSW gun laws if he were to become premier while on the hustings in western Sydney, where Labor announced $100 million for six ice rehabilitation clinics across the state.
"I will not be a part of parliament that weakens the gun laws in NSW. It will not happen if I am premier," Mr Daley told reporters.
"There's a big leap between what's on a how-to-vote card and legislation."
Former Australian prime minister John Howard criticised the preference decision in an advertisement published on the NSW Liberals Facebook page on Sunday night.
The Shooters have argued for a repeal of the 1996 National Gun Control Agreement and, if Labor were to win the state election it would put "enormous pressure" on the party water down the laws, Mr Howard said.
"And that would be at a great cost to community safety. What that preference deal demonstrates, is that Labor will do anything to buy a vote, and it's a reason not to reward that kind of attitude," he said.
Both Mr Daley and Ms Berejiklian attended an interfaith service at Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral on Sunday afternoon, paying tribute to the victims of Friday's terror attack in Christchurch.
NSW heads to a state election on Saturday, with polls suggesting the two major parties are deadlocked at 50-50.
Australian Associated Press
