Labour's candidate Margaret Wilson has received a huge boost to her chances of winning the Tauranga seat, Labour campaign spokesperson Pete Hodgson said today.

"The polls have shown a close three-horse race between Margaret Wilson, the incumbent and the National candidate.

"But the announcement today that the PM is to make an 'unscheduled visit' to Tauranga on Wednesday should definitely give Labour the edge.

"Mrs Shipley is going to do for Katherine O'Regan what she has already done for our netballers - belatedly showing an interest in the hope of basking in the glory of victory, only to see her side pipped at the post.

"Similarly the All Blacks faltered only after it was revealed that Mrs Shipley wanted to be part of a victory parade down Queen Street.

"The curse of Jim Bolger was limited to his effect on overseas leaders; he would meet them and soon after they would fall from office.

"Mrs Shipley has perfected this technique domestically; everything she enthuses about subsequently snatches defeat from the jaws of victory."

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