Steady does it seems to be wisdom of experience

By John Armstrong

For heaven's sake, don't stuff things up this time.

That is the silent plea from long-suffering but exuberant Labour and Alliance supporters as their parties get down to the nuts and bolts of coalition talks this week.

There is a huge burden of expectation on Helen Clark and Jim Anderton to run a Government that defies Labour's history and lasts longer than three years. The pair also have the huge and associated task of restoring credibility to the word "politician."

Little wonder both leaders were ultra-cautious yesterday, avoiding any talk of rushing manifesto policies into practice and refusing to impose negotiating conditions and bottom lines on one another.

Three items are on the immediate must-do agenda. Legislation banning MPs from party-hopping will be brought before Parliament before Christmas. Preliminary work will begin on next April's tax rise and the coalition's first Budget.

Beyond that, there is no need to rush - a point made to Helen Clark by Jim Bolger, of all people, during a congratulatory phone call early on Sunday morning.

Presumably our Washington ambassador is hoping he will not be made to pack his bags too soon. But his warning is genuine: he remembers how National's support quickly crashed after his landslide victory.

This new Government has several things going for it.

First, Labour is not leg-ironed by a poorly performing economy as it was in 1984. The economy is now showing signs of real growth, giving the new coalition breathing space before it addresses more structural problems, such as industry development and the balance of payments deficit.

Second, MMP applies an extraordinary incentive for good behaviour. A huge swing in votes on election night does not translate into big majorities in Parliament. A six-seat majority is hardly a comforting cushion to take into the next election.

Third, this Government is not encumbered by having to kowtow to a minor party pulling in another direction or someone as downright frustrating as Winston Peters. Compromise in this coalition will be over timing, not direction. This is truly our first MMP Government because it has a real mandate.

Fourth, the new coalition is modest about what it will deliver. It thus has the capacity to pleasantly surprise, rather than disappoint.

Fifth, the jury remains out on Jim Anderton. He may have been a different person during the campaign. But he knows he has yet to convince a lot of people - including most of the Labour caucus - that he will not spit the dummy when he does not get his way or the going gets difficult.

For all that, the electorate remains grumpy with politicians. Respect will be hard-earned, not granted automatically.