Banks signals return to national stage

John Banks

Act hierarchy say they have been in talks with National about stepping aside in an electorate seat in Auckland to give former mayor John Banks the chance to return to national politics.

Former Act leader Richard Prebble revealed yesterday at the party's annual conference that he had spoken with former National leader Jim McLay about finding a home for Mr Banks.

However, he held little hope of an accommodation between the parties and believed Act was better to stand on its own feet.

Yesterday Mr Banks gave his clearest signal yet of a possible return to national politics.

He said National must stand aside its Tamaki candidate, Allan Peachey, if the centre-right was to have a chance of getting back into government.

Mr Banks said he was an Act member and donor, and would expect a high place on the Act list because he could boost its vote by three percentage points.

"What would cause a huge amount of dissent within the ranks of the National party, and quite a lot of aggro, would be for me to stand against the National candidate in the spiritual home of Tamaki."

Any move to give Mr Banks an easy run in Tamaki could be derailed by comments today from Act leader Rodney Hide, expected to say while National's Don Brash is a good leader, his party is now "almost indistinguishable" from Labour.

And party president Catherine Judd, under challenge yesterday for her office, said Act felt like National's battered spouse, so had opted for a trial separation.

On Mr Banks' planned comeback, Mr Hide appeared to be surprised to discover Mr Banks was already polling.

"I'm sure that John is a great campaigner. There's no doubt that John's very enthusiastic."

But, he emphasised, the Act board would need to accept Mr Banks' candidacy, and he remained committed to winning the Epsom electorate off National, rather than putting party resources into Tamaki.

Act's Tamaki candidate, Ken Shirley, said he would step aside if the party wished and National, he believed, would do the same with some persuasion.

"It may take a bit of pressure to focus their mind, but at the end of the day they are an expedient party."

Mr McLay yesterday would not comment beyond saying that he had known Mr Peachey for years, would do nothing to harm his chances and had not discussed an accommodation in that electorate.

National Party president Judy Kirk said she knew nothing of the discussions, and National would not step aside.

"We'll be running a strong campaign in all seats."

- Herald on Sunday