Low-key Kyd has ally in Simich

By HELEN TUNNAH

Embattled MP Warren Kyd has received a boost from another of National's "old guard" on the eve of the party's vital selection meeting for the marginal seat of Clevedon.

Tamaki MP Clem Simich has backed the low-profile Mr Kyd as the kind of loyal electorate politician the party needs.

He said if the rest of the National MPs enjoyed the local support Mr Kyd did, the party would be much stronger.

"That seat is in good nick if Warren is there - the figures show it.

"You name me any advantage we have got from anyone who has a profile. That's why the work should be done in the electorate."

Mr Kyd, an MP for 15 years, will fight for his political future at the meeting tomorrow afternoon, where he faces two challengers: main rival Judith Collins, a Remuera lawyer, and Dargaville pilot Ian Lupton.

The selection is seen as the latest round of National's cleansing of old faces, begun under party president Michelle Boag.

Ms Collins has said Ms Boag did not ask her to stand for Parliament, but she was asked by a senior National MP. She will not say who.

Ms Collins was herself backed from an unusual quarter yesterday when Wellington list MP Annabel Young publicly endorsed her over Mr Kyd, her parliamentary colleague.

Ms Young said Ms Collins was "an intelligent, modern, 21st century woman" whose skills were needed in caucus.

She said she did not want to comment on Mr Kyd, but everyone had to be tested on their merits.

Ms Young is a long-time friend of Ms Collins, whose 9-year-old son is her godchild.

Mr Simich said Mr Kyd enjoyed a 5195-vote majority in the seat of Hunua at the last election, a 3000-vote increase on the 1996 result. National's party vote majority was about half that.

He said Mr Kyd's 1999 support came as National's vote was in "freefall", and he was one of the few MPs to strengthen his position.

It was wrong to judge Mr Kyd on his low public profile, said Mr Simich.

"For political purposes, it doesn't matter at all so long as they make an impact in their electorate.

"It's doing your job by representing your people. Warren's been one of the very best at that."

Mr Simich, who also has a low national profile, said boundary changes made the new seat of Clevedon marginal for National and it was crucial to select a strong local candidate.