Audrey Young: Peters' talk of deal will tempt Key

Audrey Young

John Key is publicly dismissing Winston Peters' message to make sure every National MP signs up to any deal New Zealand First might make with that party after the elections.

But privately he will be taking notice.

Mr Key's initial response to Mr Peters' cheeky condition was that "I will manage our caucus, not Winston".

Speaking to Taupo Rotary on Monday, Mr Peters said: "Before we could go with National we would make every single MP in the National caucus sign up to whatever agreement was reached."

At first glance, Mr Peters appears to be setting demands that no self-respecting leader could meet, and a demand that could indicate he was favouring Labour.

On second glance, Mr Peters is asking MPs to "sign up to", not literally ink any deal.

National should heed Peters if it is to overcome the prejudice that exists in New Zealand First after its first experience in coalition with National from 1996 to 1998.

It is not all ancient history: 13 members of the present National caucus of 48 were part of that coalition.

That coalition was undermined by the lack of respect given to New Zealand First by National and eventually collapsed over the sale of Wellington Airport.

New Zealand First's lack of trust in National was reinforced under Don Brash's leadership.

It is understood that some of the Brash emails that fell into Mr Peters' hands canvassed a strategy of destroying New Zealand First six months after the election, though not penned by present staff or MPs.

But New Zealand First's default attitude to National is negative.

Mr Key needs to set expectations of discipline among his right wing in the same way that Helen Clark has imposed on the left wing of her caucus.

The natural instinct of both groups is to hold their noses at the centrist, populist party.

The fact that Mr Peters is giving Mr Key advice at all is a sign that he would seriously contemplate a deal.