ONE NEWS: One of the worst kept secrets in politics has been confirmed, with Winston Peters announcing he will stand in his old seat of Tauranga.
He will go up against political newcomer Simon Bridges, in a contest that could be crucial for the future of New Zealand First.
Peters is twice the age of his main opponent and dwarfs him in terms of time in politics and experience.
But both parties are optimistic.
Bridges says he is not phased going against the political big man, and says he will be able to spend more time pressing the flesh than his busy opponent.
"I think the advantage I have, is I'm going to be on the ground everyday, working to earn the support of the people of Tauranga," he says.
The New Zealand First leader is hopeful his prize will be his old job back.
"We're done a lot of work here... we've been a part of it," says Peters.
Peters told 150 party faithful at Mt Maunganui on Sunday afternoon that he would stand.
He told the audience it's a comeback, not for personal glory but to right the wrongs of the last three years of what he called an incompetent incumbent.
The speech was full of sideswipes at National MP Bob Clarkson, who took the seat from Peters.
Peters also listed New Zealand First's achievements for the locals, including the toll free harbour bridge.
In his speech he likened himself to sporting greats Muhammed Ali and Tiger Woods, who also suffered defeats, but triumphed in the end.
Peters was Tauranga MP from 1984 until he lost to Clarkson at the last election.
Peters will be up against National's Simon Bridges, Labour's Anne Pankhurst, the Kiwi Party's Larry Baldock, and independent candidate Gray Eatwell.
Post election, National may be looking to New Zealand First for a coalition deal. On current polling, New Zealand First is only on 3%, meaning no Tauranga seat, no New Zealand First.
But National say they won't make it easy for Peters.
So the fight for the patch begins, with both sides hoping to draw the most votes.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment