Clark tries to cash in on Peters speculation

Speculation of power-sharing deal between National and New Zealand First with Winston Peters as prime minister will scare voters away from both parties, Prime Minister Helen Clark claims.

In the past week there has been talk around Parliament of the possibility of such a deal -- if NZ First was left holding the balance of power after the election later this year.

Under the most commonly considered scenario, if NZ First held the balance of power, it could support a National minority government or go into coalition with it if certain policy demands were met.

However some National MPs have said there has been talk, from some NZ First MPs, of a coalition being brokered with Mr Peters as prime minister for half or even all of a first term of government, the Herald reported today.


However Helen Clark said on Newstalk ZB today: "I think that sort of headline is frankly bad for both the National Party and NZ First.


"That's the sort of thing that will send long-standing National voters into orbit and vote tactically to stop either National or Mr Peters ever inflicting that on New Zealand."

Both National leader Don Brash and Mr Peters refused to talk about the possibility this morning.

A spokesman for Dr Brash said National would be focusing on winning as many votes as it could in the run up to the election and would not discuss coalition deals until after the election.

Mr Peters refused to discuss the issue. He refuted claims any NZ First MPs had been talking about such a deal.

"It's a disgraceful piece of fish and chip throw-away speculation, with no credit, merit, or evidence whatsoever," he said.

Neither ruled out such a deal being possible.

In the latest political poll, issued last night, Mr Peters had moved up three points to 13 per cent in the preferred prime minister stakes, while Dr Brash had dropped 5 points to 15 per cent support.

A potential hurdle to a coalition between National and NZ First would be differences in policy, like superannuation.

NZ First wants to lift the level of superannuation from 65 per cent of the average wage to 72.5 per cent.

Although steering clear of cuts, Dr Brash has previously said he does not believe even the current level of superannuation was sustainable in the long term.

NZ First currently holds 13 seats. National currently holds 27.

- NZPA