Getting harder for Clark

The election was almost four weeks ago, and the job of forming a Government is proving more difficult that predicted.

Clark’s basic problem is even with NZ First abstaining, she only has 57 votes and needs at least 58. This means a formal deal with United Future or the Maori Party. The Maori Party is probably going to rule it out, so unless they also abstain then Clark needs both the Greens and United Future.

Complicating issues further is National and NZ First are now talking. This won’t be to talk Government, but hopefully about areas they can co-operate such as Clem for Speaker.