Parties edgy as leaders go back to bargaining

By VERNON SMALL

Party leaders return to the bargaining table this week after a four-day break during which officials continued talks on the shape of the new Government.

But tensions between the Greens and Labour have resurfaced after the weekly newsletter Trans Tasman quoted Prime Minister Helen Clark taking credit for driving down support for New Zealand First and the Greens during the campaign.

"I had to do something to blunt their rise. I do credit myself with getting the Greens down to 6.4 per cent, which is why they are in grief mode at the moment," she was reported saying.

Greens co-leader Rod Donald reacted angrily yesterday.

"It's unfortunate that Helen Clark is crowing about the success of her strategy to destroy the Greens during the campaign, at the same time as she is meant to be negotiating with us in good faith to ensure there is a strong centre-left Government."

Far from being in grief mode, the Greens were buoyant at increasing their vote and getting an extra seat in the House.

Helen Clark went skiing during the break in talks, but was certain to have stayed in close contact with negotiators.

A spokesman said officials were busy, but the Prime Minister did not intend to give a "running commentary" on progress.

She had earlier said she hoped for an agreement by Saturday.

Sources said an announcement could be made by Wednesday. A minority coalition Government of Labour and Jim Anderton's Progressive Coalition is still the most likely outcome.

Labour, with 52 seats, and the Progressive Coalition with two seats, need the support of either United Future's nine votes or the Greens' eight MPs to win a majority in the 120-seat Parliament.

Helen Clark would prefer a minority coalition with the support of both parties.

The Greens want policy concessions in return for continued support for a Labour-led administration.

But they are unlikely to drop their pledge to vote against the Government if it lifts the moratorium on the commercial release of genetically modified organisms next October.

Beyond securing support for key confidence and money supply votes, Labour wants to ensure it can speed legislation through the House - something the Greens resisted during the last term.

United Future is likely to agree to more "urgency" to extend Parliament's sitting hours. In return it could win Labour backing for a Commission for the Family and be more closely consulted over law changes.

Meanwhile, the final make-up of Parliament will be known this week after special votes are counted.

The deadline for final results is Saturday, although all special vote returns must be in by tomorrow.

The most likely change would be the loss of National's 27th seat, held by Katherine Rich, to Labour.

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