What the politicians think: Peter Dunne

Peter Dunne

For Peter Dunne, winning the court battle that allowed him to take part in the TV3 debate was the best possible start to his election campaign.

The High Court decision gave the United Future leader the chance to face to his old friend 'the worm' and gave him valuable publicity.

Mr Dunne says the turning point of the campaign was when National released its tax policy.

He believes National has shown the ability to focus on policy issues while Labour has been reluctant to confront them.

But the Ohariu-Belmont MP says both main parties have forgotten where people fit into their policies.

"I don't think there has been significant recognition of what the average household is thinking, of what the concerns are for them," says Mr Dunne.

He says there has been a disappointing absence of dramatic political stunts.

Two days before the election, Mr Dunne says he has a message for Helen Clark.

"If she is relying on the Greens to form a Government, she won't be Prime Minister next week."