KEY POINTS:
National leader John Key has told Tauranga MP Bob Clarkson his decision on whether to stand again should have nothing to do with what NZ First leader Winston Peters does.
Mr Clarkson recently said he did not like Parliament and was considering retiring, but might reconsider if Mr Peters made a bid.
"That would definitely make me more keen to stay on because we would trounce him," Mr Clarkson told NZPA in September.
The pair had a tense and acrimonious battle for the seat in 2005, with Mr Peters playing a role in the airing of sexual harassment allegations by a former employee of Mr Clarkson.
After Mr Clarkson won the seat, Mr Peters challenged his campaign spending, but Mr Clarkson was found to have stayed within his spending limit.
Today Mr Key told reporters he made it clear Mr Peters' plans should not be the basis of Mr Clarkson's decision.
"I've made it quite clear to Mr Clarkson that he should be making that decision on what is in the best interests of himself, his family, and his desire to represent the National Party. It's got nothing to do with Mr Peters or NZ First."
Mr Clarkson, known as "Bob the Builder" because of his background in construction, said he had found Parliament frustrating, and was considering letting a younger candidate stand.
Today when asked what the people of Tauranga should think of his indecision, he said "just be patient" and said he had worked hard in Parliament to get progress on building issues.
Mr Key said the decision to stand or not was a "deeply personal" one.
"If he decides to run in the seat of Tauranga again and represent the people of Tauranga he will have the full support of the National Party and our intention will be to win the seat. If he doesn't, then we'll be putting up another candidate to win the seat."
Mr Key was asked if it would be better to let Mr Peters have a free run to ensure the party was returned to Parliament as it was a potential coalition partner.
"My understanding is that Mr Peters has made it quite clear that he's not looking for an accommodation from either Labour or National," he said.
Mr Key said a decision would be reached "sooner than later".
Mr Peters is understood to have decided to stand again in Tauranga - which he held from 1984 to 2005 - but is not confirming it.
Under the party's rules, those seeking to become NZ First MPs must stand in an electorate seat.
Mr Peters' decision is crucial for the party.
In 1999, the seat was NZ First's lifeline back to Parliament when its support fell below the 5 per cent threshold.
Winning it back could be crucial if NZ First do not get above the threshold in 2008.
NZ First nominations opened on December 1 and the process is expected to be completed by February.
- NZPA
