Peters coalition stance draws mixed reaction

By Paul Dykes
Trying to have a Bob each way. Disappointment.
This is some of the reaction to Winston Peters' announcement that he intends to sit on the cross-benches and not join any formal coalition after the election.
Mr Peters announced yesterday that NZ First would not enter a formal coalition with either Labour or National because there was "not have enough common ground" with either of the two major parties.
NZ First would sit on the cross-benches and not oppose supply and confidence to either National or Labour. He told 300 supporters in Rotorua the party would vote on a case-by-case basis, but would not bring the Government down.
The decision has been viewed as "indecision" in some quarters and "clever positioning" by others.
Tauranga National rival Bob Clarkson said Mr Peters was signalling that he doesn't want to be in government.
"It will be a nil event, voting for NZ First," the National Party candidate said. "But it's not my job to worry about coalitions - I'm just happy to be winning against him."
Labour candidate Sally Barrett said Mr Peters was "trying to have a Bob each way". "In terms of the electorate, the reaction is people feeling disappointed that he is not making up his mind."
She said he can "look like the moral Crusader" working for his constituents, but "he's not polling enough to have any real sway".
But Carole Gordon, president of Grey Power in Tauranga, can see positives in Mr Peters' stance.
"He is creating a space to do a number of things. I think it will allow for rigorous debate with him sitting in the middle. Older people will still know that Winston will advocate policies that benefit older people.
The polling suggests it could go either way, so he still has room to negotiate on key policies if one of the parties needs him."
On Tauranga's streets reaction from voters was mixed.
Marlene Davis said: "If he's not going to go with anybody I can't see him getting in. You've got to go to bed with somebody if you want to be in Government these days.
"This could mean a vote for NZ First is a wasted one," she said.
John Colton, an engineering officer from Te Puke, said Winston was clearly looking after NZ First issues. "He's damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. He's doing his best."
Retired farmer Bryden Lane said Mr Peters' response was to be expected. "I think a lot of people will be disappointed, a lot of voters would quite like to know what he is going to do. I would expect NZ First will lose votes because of that decision."
Mr Lane's wife, Helen, agreed. "No surprises there.
"How the voters will deal with that I don't know," she said.
Retiree Harry Evans thought people have already made up their minds about who they will vote for. "By sitting on the cross benches he is playing from both ends."
Cleaner Adrian Hilditch said: "It doesn't bother me. I'm a NZ First supporter, I'll vote for him because he represents the community and does a good job."
Mr Peters denied his decision meant NZ First would not be able to advance its policies. "Quite the contrary, we've rendered ourselves as a party that seeks stability in government, we do not want the perks of office."