KEY POINTS:
Dunedin South MP David Benson-Pope's political future is on the line on Saturday when he faces down two serious union-supported challengers for his seat.
The Otago Daily Times understands union backing for the Dunedin South nomination is split between two candidates who both claim wide community support - Labour Party elected official Clare Curran, who in the past worked for the Australian Council of Trade Unions, and Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union president Don Pryde.
There appears to be no union support for Mr Benson-Pope. Yesterday, asked how he rated his chances, Mr Benson-Pope said he had been working hard and talking to as many constituents as he could before the vote on Saturday.
"My view hasn't changed. A small number of people have taken their eye off the ball but I have got strong support out here.
"No one expects me to stop doing the job just because someone else wants it. I haven't stopped doing my job and there is no embarrassment about subjecting yourself to public scrutiny. That's what's happening on Saturday and that's fine with me."
Mr Benson-Pope was embroiled in controversy last year over the relationship between Madeleine Setchell, who joined the Environment Ministry in a senior communications role, and National Party leader John Key's chief press secretary, Kevin Taylor.
His handling of that incident eventually led to his resignation from Cabinet and apparent moves by the party to replace him as the Labour candidate in Dunedin South for this year's election.
Ms Curran did not escape media scrutiny with her role as an adviser with the ministry being raised in Parliament. Later, her appointment with the ministry was subject of a State Services Commission report.
Ms Curran said yesterday she was committed to the contest on Saturday and had no regrets about putting her name forward.
Mr Pryde said the EPMU was strongly supporting his bid to become the candidate and was planning to have enough members attend on Saturday to win the floor vote, a crucial part of the process. The EPMU usually has the most influence within the party of any union grouping.
Third challenger, PSA organiser Keith McFadyen, was non-committal about whether he would be standing on Saturday.
A six-person panel will make the selection. Party headquarters will supply three, two will be supplied by the Labour electorate committee (LEC), one member will be voted from the floor and there will be an additional vote from the eligible attending delegates, making seven official votes in all. Party headquarters also has an agenda and if it decides Mr Benson-Pope must be replaced, it is unlikely he will win on Saturday.
- OTAGO DAILY TIMES
