ACT Leader Richard Prebble said he thought it was an excellent idea that the first leaders' debate should be in Westport on the West Coast.

He said the ACT party would be prepared to front up, but doubted whether Jim Anderton would be much keener than Helen Clark to come to the West Coast.

Mr Prebble, currently campaigning in the South Island, said he was saying to heartland New Zealand that ACT shared their values and would be privileged to represent them.

"The Labour party has told heartland New Zealand that Labour's values have 'moved on' and that they are surplus to requirements," Mr Prebble said.

"I'm writing to Prime Minister Shipley to suggest she insists the debate be on the West Coast."

ENDS

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