PM's office says early election rumours 'utter drivel'

The Prime Minister's office has denied Beehive rumours that the Government has set July 30 as the day for a general election.

On Monday, Helen Clark announced the close-off date for the main electoral roll would be June 17.

The last possible polling day had been September 24 but NZPA understands the Government has opted to go earlier.

The previous election was held on July 27, 2002, meaning the Government will have completed a full term.

A spokesman for Helen Clark would not confirm the date.

"The Prime Minister will not respond to rumours and speculation on an election date," he said.

Minutes later, a spokeswoman for Helen Clark said it was "utter drivel".

Pressed to confirm that meant July 30 would not be the election date, she refused to comment.

National used the information to attack the Government.

"We don't think there's any reason for the Prime Minister to go early unless she's panicked by the prospect of an economic downturn," a spokesman for National leader Don Brash told NZPA.

Dr Brash did not want to comment further until the date was confirmed.

Helen Clark's spokeswoman said the Prime Minister was not into "speculation" and her most recent comments at the post Cabinet press conference on Monday stood.

Helen Clark said then people should not read too much into the electoral roll date, which she said had been advised by electoral officials.

Enrolment was possible until the day before the general election but a cut-off line had to be drawn so the electoral roll could be printed, she said.

Helen Clark has previously indicated she intended for the Government to go full term. On July 27 it will be three years since the last election.

- NZPA