Final push for Clark

Prime Minister Helen Clark was out pressing the flesh across Auckland today in her final push before tomorrow's election.

Miss Clark started early with media interviews for 11 different television and radio stations.

She talked to teachers at Manurewa Central School and students at Tamaki Ki Raro Trust in Mangere Bridge.

Supporters greeted her at malls in Henderson, New Lynn and St Luke's.

Miss Clark said the support was uplifting.

"Tremendous feeling out around the Labour heartland and we come out today to make sure people know the great importance of coming out, not taking a jump into the unknown tomorrow but sticking with strong proven leadership that works."

Labour was targeting the undecideds and people who don't vote, even though they enrolled.

"There's every reason to be coming out and campaigning. I hear a lot of people saying you'll breeze in and I say we will only get in if you get out and vote for us.

"It's about making sure people know the importance of two ticks for Labour."

The Labour machine would be out tomorrow.

"We're putting in a very big effort to turn out those who enrolled in the past but haven't voted. Our main message is it can be done and it will be done if people come out."

Miss Clark said Labour had "thrown everything" at the campaign.

"I'm very happy with the campaign I've run."

Among MPs accompanying Miss Clark was deputy prime minister Michael Cullen.

He said the changed financial environment had killed the tax argument this election and National were avoiding it because they didn't want to talk about how they would pay for it.

The campaign was different to 2005.

"I think there hasn't been the head on conflict all the time, but I don't think people want that."

He said people were interested in issues that affected them.

Dr Cullen was asked about bad polls. He said in 2005 on the last day of campaigning the polls were bad but Labour won.

He said the comments and feedback he was getting was nothing like 1990 when Labour lost.

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