The Dominion

Wednesday, 8 December 1999, 10:14 am
Article: Alastair Thompson

Greens Victory - Big Hug - A Glimpse Of Power - Domestic Mercy - Lost Ballots - Stadium Costs - Inside Political Headlines - First Surprise For The Coalition

HEADLINE: GREENS CRASH THE PARTY

GREENS VICTORY: The Dominion leads today with a report that the Greens crashed the cosy Labour and Alliance coalition last night, holding the balance of power in Parliament after winning the Coromandel seat on special votes.

BIG HUG: Jeanette Fitzsimons is pictured hugging fellow co-leader Rod Donald at the airport.

A GLIMPSE OF POWER: In another report the paper reports that the Greens dramatic entry into Parliament appeared to spell doom for six politicians some of whom tasted power for only 10 days - National's Murray McLean and Arthur Anae, Labour's John Blincoe and Eru George, the Alliance's Mark Ryan and NZ First's Ian Walker are the unlucky six.

Also on the front page:

- DOMESTIC MERCY: a report that a woman's dying wish that her partner be treated leniently saved a Wellington man from jail after he admitted beating and biting her in a "sustained and particularly violent"attack;

- LOST BALLOTS: a report that police are investigating the disappearance of about 100 ballot papers in the Rangitikei electorate - held by National's Simon Power by just 68 votes on election night;

- STADIUM COSTS: a report that Wellington City Council is set to lend about $5 million to cover the cost of unsold WestpacTrust stadium memberships as the stadium prepares to pay its contractor, Fletcher Construction.

Inside Political Headlines

- Parliament's Late Arrivals - The Green Team
- Bradford promises she won't sell out
- Final results declared for nine electorates
- Push for city council by-election
- Surprise destination for Sue Kedgley (pictured).

EDITORIAL: First surprise for new coalition.

© Scoop Media

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

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