KEY POINTS:
John Key's popularity has soared since he took over the National Party leadership 2 1/2 months ago, with 36.2 per cent of decided voters preferring him as Prime Minister in the latest Herald DigiPoll survey.
Prime Minister Helen Clark is still ahead of her main rival, on 47.7 per cent.But Mr Key's rise has knocked her off her perch in the 50s where she has usually rated against former National leaders Don Brash and Bill English.
>> Read the story on the poll
This forum is now closed. Here is a selection of your views:
Brenda Holden
I would definitely vote for John Key and National in the next election. I totally disapprove of the way Helen Clarks policies have split families apart, made men feel like second-class citizens, taken away the rights of parents and promoted her feminazi views. Selling of natural mineral deposits, which could have helped our economy also, made me wonder why people vote Labour. National could certainly improve on her performance as Prime Minister. It would be relatively easy to surpass her performance.
R.Spillane
If John Key and the Nats get in next election, I will give up all hope for NZ. The Government needs at least another term to get the main problems facing us sorted. Crime, drugs and poor family values have become such a major problem over the past 30 years that no government could possibly rectify the problem in 8 years. Let us hope there are still enough intelligent people left to make sure they get those extra years.
Michael Russell
This Government under Clark and her greeney cronies are doing more harm to this country with their PC nonsense. Would like to have John Key as Prime Minister and to be given a fair go. A lot of policy of this Government has been forced on our country. Their lunatic anti-smacking law is brainless thinking no more said. Lets get rid of this Government.
James Wilsey
Anything has to be better than Helen Clark. NZ needs some strong leadership that will make it a more prosperous, first world nation, not the cheapskate "she'll be right" place it is now. Look at the OECD rankings. That says it all.
Caroline Aurora
It certainly looks like Key has a good shot at getting the top job, particularly as Labour continues to show its unethical politics and the low personal standards of its MPs. I am not convinced, however, the Nats under Key will be much better. They have shown how low they're prepared to go to get the vote - and are now almost as politically correct as the corrupt Labour MPs. So in essence I do not want either. If NZ is to have a government at all, it needs one with principle.
S Ram
I am definite that John Key will be the most ideal Prime Minister candidate for New Zealand in next election.
