Labour candidate for Epsom David Jacobs today responded to a dirty tricks campaign launched by Act and National candidates in the last week of the election campaign.

“Having fought each other tooth and nail in Epsom National and Act are now colluding in a last-ditch attempt to keep me out of Parliament,” said David Jacobs.

“Since Chris Fletcher endorsed me in her valedictory speech to Parliament last month they have been on the back foot trying to stop the upset of a Labour victory in Epsom. Now, with a surge of support for Labour coming from throughout the electorate, they are so scared that they have resorted to a dirty tricks campaign of misquoting me.”

“The Act candidate has sent a misleading letter to Epsom voters claiming I have admitted that I’m ‘not even in the running’ and the National candidate has claimed in a deceitful press release that Labour is backing him. Both these claims are false.”

“As we travel around the electorate we are encountering massive support for Labour. It’s coming from the traditionally National streets of Remuera and Parnell as well as the more liberal Mount Eden side of the electorate.”

“Our message is consistent. We are asking voters to give Labour two ticks on Saturday. Only a party vote for Labour can change the government and only an electorate vote for David Jacobs can bring a positive change for Epsom.”

“Even National’s local polling, which was released last week, shows that I can win if centre-left and green voters back me to defeat the two right-wingers. Their polling put the combined Labour, Alliance and Green party vote at 31.5 % (Labour 23.3%, Alliance 5%, Green 3.2%) compared with National’s support at only 32.2%. Act was way behind at 21.5%.” (Source: NZ Herald, 17/11/99).

“With 7% of voters undecided and with the surge in support this week for Labour, it is clear we can pull off an historic upset in Epsom. I ask Epsom voters to have the courage of their convictions and elect a Labour-led government with a local Labour MP.”

Contact: David Jacobs (09) 631 5151 or (021) 631 151

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