Minnow parties ready to make a splash

By FRANCESCA MOLD, political reporter

New Zealanders will go to the polling booths tomorrow to vote for the party they want to lead the country.

But it will be the deals done as the new government is cobbled together after the election that will shape the way the country is run for the next three years.

Voters who support one of the minor players will be thinking about what influence their party will have in a potential coalition.

According to opinion polls during the election campaign, three parties could expect to be consulted about a possible deal with Labour - if it wins enough votes tomorrow.

Labour has made it clear that Progressive Coalition leader Jim Anderton will win automatic entry to a coalition government if he wins his seat tomorrow night.

The Green Party is likely to be the first of the minor parties to be consulted about joining a potential coalition.

Prime Minister Helen Clark has consistently said the party has ruled itself out of a coalition with the greens because of their threat to withdraw support if Labour lifts the moratorium on genetically modified products.

But the two parties have worked together in the past and the Greens are likely to receive a telephone call from Helen Clark on Sunday.

The Greens are specific about what they want.

First, they would not expect one of their MPs to be given the title of Deputy Prime Minister, because they believe the junior partner in a coalition should only get the job if it has at least half the votes of the senior party.

However, the Greens would expect to discuss the possibility of seats at the Cabinet table.

Co-leader Rod Donald said the party had 72 issues it would want to raise in coalition talks. Its absolute bottom line is that the GM moratorium must not be lifted.

The Greens have other priorities such as renationalising the rail network, introducing eco-taxes and a universal family benefit worth $15 for the first child and $10 for every other, plus working on student debt by removing fees and introducing a universal allowance.

The Greens will also argue for the removal of income tax from the first $5000 of each person's earnings. They also oppose the Superannuation Fund.

Mr Donald said the party would like to see any coalition talks wrapped up within four weeks.

Both New Zealand First and United Future are coy about what issues they would raise in coalition talks.

NZ First leader Winston Peters said it was impossible to discuss coalitions until the votes had been counted.

However, he would be expected to discuss the three issues on which he has campaigned: the Treaty of Waitangi, immigration and law and order.

Helen Clark has ruled Mr Peters' party out of a potential coalition, saying his policies are "daft and offensive". But she may be prepared to work with him if Labour needs the extra numbers.

United Future leader Peter Dunne has also been careful not to risk spooking voters by revealing his agenda if called in for coalition talks.

He has said the party's family-friendly focus would be a key issue.

Other priorities would be the creation of a Commission for the Family, establishment of family service centres in needy communities, modifying the tax system to allow income splitting for families, and rebates on childcare costs.

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