Transtasman Political Letter – 22 Sept. Digest

Trans Tasman - 22nd September 2005

The people have spoken, but what was it they were trying to say?
... Now the country waits for 218,000 special votes to be counted. Will they change the outcome?
... Labour was a nose ahead on election night, and Helen Clark gets the chance to form a Govt
... Will Brash be gone by lunchtime? The caucus says no. But the clock is ticking, for Clark as well as Brash, Jim Anderton too, and probably Winston Peters as well
...Three years before the people are asked to speak again? Maybe not.

Clark Looks To Rule As A Minority Govt

Saturday night could mark the beginning of the end of the Clark era. Don Brash virtually doubled National’s party vote, but couldn’t claim victory.

New Faces Expected in Cabinet

The Clark-led Labour Party can rate the election outcome a remarkable achievement. But it can’t risk “business as usual.” NZ faces the most testing times Labour has confronted in its 6 years in office.

National: Now For the Hard Part

National’s election strategy, smart and sharply focused, nevertheless came up short. So while Don Brash, as a leader who did not make it, will not have to walk the plank immediately, the reprieve may have a time limit ...

How Will The Chips Fall For Minor Parties?

Even though the “exploratory” talks between parties on the shape of a future Govt have begun, (and contacts will continue over the next week or so), Helen Clark won’t begin real negotiations until after October 1.

CAPITAL TALK

Foreign Minister Phil Goff has made it clear he expects to play a much greater role at home in a new Govt. This suggests he is anticipating dropping Foreign Affairs ...

PLAY OF THE WEEK - Paua Plays

The voters have resolved to be unresolved. This is a very inconclusive election. Barring an upset on the specials we have a seriously hobbled Labour Govt. And the key will be the Maori Party. We have, in fact, been here before and not just in 1996.

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