Leaders fail to stir street's emotions

By Chris Daniels

One neighbourhood, one debate, two leaders, five different opinions.

Minutes after watching New Zealand's most powerful political leaders go head-to-head in a television debate, the people of Vardon Rd gave their verdict - a bit of this and a bit of that.

The Herald is watching the Titirangi neighbourhood because its votes in 1996 almost exactly mirrored the election result - and while last night's debate may have helped one resident make up her mind, the others were already decided, or just totally underwhelmed.

Robina Thomas, who was previously undecided, was impressed with Helen Clark's performance and felt the Labour leader had snared her vote.

"I feel like Helen Clark is more interested in the average household and that's me - not everybody can be high-income earners.

"I don't think Jenny is up to date on how people really live."

Robina Thomas said she liked Helen Clark's positive attitude and hearing about her personal life.

Graeme Mitchell, a painting contractor favouring the centre-right, said Helen Clark "came across as taking us back to the dark ages."

"We don't need all the unions back, and old ACC back - she was talking about way too much change.

"I don't like the way Helen Clark just stands there shaking her head."

A "more professional" Prime Minister was able to quote figures and her own track record to back up arguments, said Mr Mitchell.

Any undecided voter would have swayed towards National, had they watched the leaders' debate.

But there was no winner for totally unimpressed National supporter Pat Willy.

"I've heard it all before - the same old stuff, it was all a bit of a non-event."

Jan Willy was more impressed than her mother-in-law Pat - especially with the performance of Prime Minister Jenny Shipley.

"Helen Clark says she is for the middle class, hard-working person, well I'm certainly that, but I don't like what she is going to bring in," said the National-supporting Jan.

Ross Dominey, who backs a centre-left government, did not think the debate would make anyone's decision easier.

"On a score of averages I would say Helen Clark came out on top."

Jenny Shipley appeared to be "programmed" during the debate, whereas Helen Clark seemed more relaxed.

Mr Dominey said he was impressed with Helen Clark's comments about how private sector workplace insurance would rise.

"It'll be just like the banks, with their fees," he said. "These guys are nobody's friends."