Controversial Labour candidate meets PM

Steve Gibson, Labour candidate for Rangitata. Photo / Adam Bennett

He called him ''Shylock'' and a ''nasty little creep'' but Labour's Rangitata candidate Steve Gibson was among those queueing to shake hands with John Key during the Prime Minister's election trail walkabout in Timaru this afternoon.

''I was just passing by and happened to see him... I've never seen John in person before,'' he told the Herald.

''I just said hello to him, introduced myself and shook his hand.''

Mr Gibson was reluctant to discuss his ''Shylock'' comment which saw him get offside with Leader David Cunliffe who is running a "Vote Positive'' campaign.

''I'm sorry for all that and time's moving on.''

He was not discouraged by Mr Cunliffe's distancing himself from him by saying Labour was only seeking the party vote in Rangitata.

''With MMP it's always the party vote that counts and the local candidate's job is to get the policies out there and do the canvassing for the party vote,'' Mr Gibson said.

''Getting in as an electorate MP is a bonus it's not to be expected.''