Transtasman Political Letter – 26 October Digest

Thursday, 26 October 2006

Sighs of relief all round as the Reserve Bank leaves interest rates unchanged
... Labour takes a big hit from pledge card spending fiasco
... Its fight-back begins this weekend
... Clark, fresh with applause ringing in her ears at the Pacific Forum, resists pressure to “refresh” her Govt
... Nats buoyant with latest poll, and Key says party is united behind Don Brash
... And NZ plays the peacemaker at the Pacific Forum.

Bollard Shows His Mettle: Govt Breathes More Easily

The Govt breathed more easily this week after the Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard left the official cash rate unchanged at 7.25%. It lessens the risk of the economy coming in for a hard landing.

Labour’s Credibility And Poll Ratings, Slip

Labour politicians put a brave face on the latest TVNZ Colmar Brunton poll, which showed National’s lead widening to 13 points.

Clark Resists Call To “Refresh” Party’s Look

Labour’s fight-back begins this weekend in its 90th anniversary Party Conference. Already there are calls for it to “refresh” its look, undergo a process of renewal and bring fresh blood into Cabinet.

Key Plays It Cool Over Leadership

National, buoyed by the latest Colmar Brunton poll, dismisses criticism it has failed to achieve a higher rating than in September, in the light of the public backlash against Labour’s unlawful election spending.

CAPITAL TALK

Labour president Mike Williams, shrugging off TV One’s poll showing it is 13 points behind National, told reporters the party is in good shape and a man had come up to him in the street and thrust $20 into his hand.

Play Of The Week: A Safe Workplace Is Happy And Productive

Bob Clarkson got whacked or bumped, or nudged, or whatever, on the head by Trevor Mallard. Some would take it as a badge of honour, but Clarkson is not happy.

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