Clark puts faith in Auckland voters

Prime Minister Helen Clark on Newstalk ZB
Prime Minister Helen Clark on Newstalk ZB
Given the polls some may think it would take an act of God to see Labour re-elected but Prime Minister Helen Clark is not counting on a higher power -- she's keeping faith in the voters in Auckland.

Miss Clark is counting on "heartland" votes, people in Auckland, to get out and vote tomorrow.

Yesterday Miss Clark's day started with a session at Newstalk ZB. Among callers was Lesley who was unhappy with the PM's claim she lived by Christian values.

"Your agenda and action in public for the past nine years has been to wreck the tenants of Christianity in our country."

Miss Clark reminded her the more controversial pieces of social legislation were private members bills.

She told Lesley that it was often said the Labour Party in New Zealand owed more to Methodism than to socialism and there had always a very strong brand of Christian socialism in it. She said many Christian principles were good.

"I spent my childhood (going to) Presbyterian Sunday school and of course going to Presbyterian church every Sunday while I was in high school... I do know what I am talking about on this I think there are good and basic principles. I don't personally happen to be a religious person but I do recognise those common good values."

While her opponent, National leader John Key, jetted around the country, Miss Clark's Presbyterian work ethic saw her set a relentless pace visiting factories, malls and street corners in Manukau and Mt Wellington.

At one mall league great Stacey Jones stopped by to show his support. The pair chatted about the Kiwis' chances of success; "Yes they can (win)," Miss Clark told him.

"They've just got to believe in themselves eh."

Miss Clark told reporters she was optimistic left-wing parties would win enough votes to form a government and the time for a change message was meaningless.

"Change to what?" she asked.

"It's a huge jump into the unknown to go down a track at this time of voting for people who have an agenda of cutting back our public spending, selling our assets, privatising our key services. People know what they are getting with Labour."

Television polls that evening were not good news for Labour which Miss Clark said was a mismatch with feeling on the ground.

"In the end I am saying this is one for the true believers, if people want a Labour-led government they'll get out and vote for it."

Today she has another full day in Auckland with the goal of turning that faith into votes come Saturday.

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