Transtasman Political Letter – 31 May Digest

31st May 2007

Three polls point one way for Labour: Down. But PM Clark insists Labour is far from out...
John Key is pulling the crowds: is it because they are curious, or are they connecting with his message?...
Post-mortems continue on the budget: is KiwiSaver Labour’s saviour, or another instrument turning NZ into a retirement village?...
A King-hit on transport agencies... And unflappable Dunne in a flap.

A Trapdoor, But Who’s The Victim?

Labour’s poll ratings have dived, so is the Govt doomed? Around 84% of business leaders surveyed in the NZ Herald “Mood of the Boardroom” say the Clark Govt has run out of steam.

Unflappable Dunne In A Flap

The small parties were flexing individual political muscle this week. That was not surprising, given the apparent stampede of voters to National’s banner.

Key Personifies His Own Message

National’s confidence is soaring, not only because several polls have confirmed its widening lead over Labour, but because John Key looks day by day more a PM-in-waiting than a Leader of the Opposition.

Rejuvenation The Call For Fatigued Labour

With Labour showing clear signs of suffering from voter fatigue, party strategists are facing the complex task of rejuvenation.

CAPITAL TALK

Christchurch Central MP Tim Barnett has told colleagues in the Labour Party he is contemplating retirement at the next election to seek fresh challenges. Is an overseas posting beckoning?

Play Of The Week: Beware The Recess Effect

Michael Cullen has claimed on more than one occasion budgets don’t win elections, but they can lose them.

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