Labour keeps option open for tactical move in Coromandel

By Andrew Laxon and Vernon Small

Labour is considering a late tactical move in Coromandel if it needs a Green Party win there to ensure victory in next month's election.

Senior Labour Party figures say privately that Green co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons may win the seat and are playing down the chances of their own candidate, Margaret Hawkeswood.

Although Labour is unlikely to withdraw its candidate, it may signal with the Alliance later in the campaign that Jeanette Fitzsimons is the frontrunner, as Jim Bolger did with Act leader Richard Prebble in 1996.

However, any hint of a behind-the-scenes deal will be controversial for Labour, which has criticised recent tactical arrangements between National and its supporters.

National has stood aside in Wellington Central in favour of Mr Prebble and in Ohariu-Belmont to help United Party leader Peter Dunne.

Act has withdrawn its candidate in Tauranga in a bid to ensure National defeats New Zealand First leader Winston Peters.

Labour leader Helen Clark and her advisers have consistently argued that voters have the wit to decide how best to vote tactically.

But with polls showing only a narrow lead for a Labour-Alliance coalition, the Greens' 3 per cent support could deliver an extra four seats and a crucial buffer for a centre-left Government.