Victory and loss taken in stride

By Warreb Gamble

National supporters Pat, Jan and Steve Willy were in good spirits, despite the election results unfolding at Pat Willy's West Auckland home.

Precisely because they had seen the red writing on the wall, the Green Bay residents who voted at the Vardon Rd polling booth on Saturday made sure they were prepared for the loss.

The Herald has been taking the political pulse of the Auckland booth neighbourhood that last election voted in almost exact proportion to the party results.

As the rain pelted down outside, in the lounge of the Cliff View Drive house the Willys were cheerfully settling down in front of the telly with a few wines and the odd fortified coffee.

By the time Jenny Shipley conceded, Pat Willy was prepared to face the prospect of a new Prime Minister without much depression.

"Let's face it, Helen Clark has waited a long time for her day in the sun, and good luck to her," she said.

Jan Willy was impressed by Mrs Shipley's concession - "she did it with a lot of style" - and was also impressed by Helen Clark's speech. She thought the new leader's holding hands with husband Peter Davis was a nice touch.

Jan Willy also said she could not help a sneaking admiration for Winston Peters: "He just manages to crawl out of everything."

Down the road, Dave and Robina Thomas were happy that their decision to go with Labour was shared by the country. Originally undecided, the pair were swayed by Labour's more human face, especially its focus on families.

"I woke up very, very happy for those who can look forward to lower rents, for students who might need loans and those who work for a minimum wage," said Mr Thomas.

Robina Thomas was pleased that "a lot of people will be seeing a lot of hope come out of it."

Mr Thomas said he hoped the dignity shown by Mrs Shipley and Helen Clark would be reflected in the new Parliament.

Labour-Alliance supporter Ross Dominey was naturally contented with the outcome, but felt for the Green Party and co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons, who was "a bloody nice lady."

He was happy that Mr Peters managed to hang on.

"I don't reckon he's a bad sort of guy. Regardless of what anyone would think of me for that opinion, I have got it.

"We need him to poke and stoke [Act leader Richard] Prebble."

National supporter Christine McGonagle went out to dinner with family and friends on election night, but a friend kept her up to date by ringing through results.

She and the other Vardon Rd residents had forecast a Labour-Alliance win so she was not depressed by the results.

Graeme Mitchell, a painting contractor, who also voted National, was similarly philosophical.

"I don't think things will change dramatically, but it's going to hurt small businesses.

"It was obviously the choice of the people but I don't know if some of them knew what they were choosing."