Labour accused of John Banks dirty tricks campaign

Act candidate John Banks. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Allegations of a dirty tricks campaign against ACT's Epsom candidate John Banks are rife and the blame is being laid at Labour's feet.

Pamphlets are circling highlighting past comments made by Mr Banks, including anti-homosexuality and racist ideas.

Right-wing bloggers say it's all part of nasty campaign tactics by Labour.

But Mr Banks, who's trailing behind the National candidate, isn't letting it bother him.

"I've been around public life for 33 years and 14 elections, nothing much upsets me."

Labour's Phil Goff denies any knowledge of the allegations.

"I don't know anything about that at all, the Act Party is suffering in Epsom not because of any dirty tricks campaign but because people believe that ACT has nothing to offer New Zealand."

Meanwhile poll after poll showing John Banks trailing National's Paul Goldsmith in the seat of Epsom isn't getting the former Auckland mayor down.

If Mr Banks doesn't win, it would essentially mean the end of the Act Party.

He's confident those that want National to govern will change their minds and vote for him and says if they don't, it may also mean the end of a National-led government.

"The numbers would be finely divided on election night if past predictions and past polls are anything to go by, the polls will close, they closed 10 per cent on the Government in the last four of five weeks last election."

Mr Banks has been campaigning hard and will continue to do so until November 26.

"We've got about 60 to 90 people engaged in the campaign, people that we can draw on to do all sorts of chores for us," he says.

"It's going to be high visibility, high energy, hard working campaign right down to the line."

- Newstalk ZB