A poll out last night has boosted Labour's fortunes by one point to 47 per cent and National's popularity by two points to 36 per cent.
The TV3, CM Research poll of 1000 voters contradicts a One Network News/Colmar Brunton poll on Sunday night, which showed the gap between the parties had narrowed to one point.
In Sunday's poll, Labour slipped two points to 42 per cent, and National gained one to 41 per cent.
Both polls were taken last week when key events that might have influenced voters included sacked Maori Affairs Minister Dover Samuels being cleared of sexual allegations and claims that Labour was digging dirt on the MP; the debate on the Employment Relations Bill; and the Local Government New Zealand controversy.
Those negatives for the Government have had an effect on Helen Clark's popularity ratings in last night's poll, although with virtually no corresponding boost for National leader Jenny Shipley.
There is a slip in support for Helen Clark as preferred Prime Minister, down four to 31 per cent over the June poll. Mrs Shipley is steady on 16 per cent.
The number of voters who believe Helen Clark is performing well has slid 13 points to 55 per cent. Mrs Shipley has slipped one point on that rating, to 44 per cent.
On other ratings, 69 per cent think Helen Clark is a capable leader, compared with 77 per cent in June, and more people (36 per cent) now think she talks down to people (28 per cent in June).
The TV3 poll shows the Alliance slipping one to 3 per cent, New Zealand First steady on 2 per cent, ACT steady on 4 per cent and the Greens steady on 5 per cent. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 per cent.
Opinion is divided on whether Mr Samuels should get his job back.
The TV3 poll showed 44 per cent believed he should get his job back and 48 per cent that he should not. A further 8 per cent did not know.
- NZPA
Poll boost to Labour and National
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