Editorial: Cup is over, now for the election

So, it's finally over.

The Rugby World Cup has come to an end and it's ended with just the sort of fairytale finish that most New Zealanders were hoping for - or at least those who are rugby fans anyway.

There have been a few people who chose not to embrace the Rugby World Cup while it was held here, but if the scenes of pure joy and celebration which played out in the wake of Sunday night's final and during this week's tickertape parades in the major centres are anything to go by, they were in the minority.

After 24 years of trying and failing, the All Blacks finally managed to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.

Yes, it's only a sport. Sure, it won't fix the country's economic problems, which will persist long after the World Cup hangovers have worn off. But what the Rugby World Cup did provide was a lift in spirits, no matter how brief, to the people of a country that has endured more than its share of hard times recently.

From the Pike River mining disaster, to Canterbury's earthquakes, and more recently the stranding of the container ship Rena off our own coast, we've had it tough of late.

Acknowledgment needs to be given to Martin Snedden and all those involved in organising and running the tournament. The consensus seems to be New Zealand punched well above its weight in hosting an event of this scale, and presented its best side to the world.

Just as we should be proud of the All Blacks, so we should also be proud of those who organised the Rugby World Cup.

With the Rugby World Cup over, attention turns to the general election, now just a month away. And we want to know what the big issues are affecting you and your family.

The Bay of Plenty Times is seeking swing voters to talk about what's important to you, how you rate the parties as the election campaign unfolds, and what policies you'd like to see introduced.

We are seeking a family with young children or teenagers, retired couples, singles and couples to share their views. If you'd like to take part, email: news@bayofplentytimes.co.nz or phone 577 31 54.

If you have burning questions for a candidate, email the Bay of Plenty Times and we'll ask them for you.

This Saturday's Bay of Plenty Times Weekend will feature the results of a poll of 500 candidates in the Bay of Plenty electorate.

An equivalent poll we conducted two weeks ago in Tauranga showed that while National had the lead, there was a large amount of undecided voters.