Dunne to stand again
The Herald reports:
United Future leader Peter Dunne has poured cold water on speculation he could retire from politics – confirming he plans to contest this year’s election.
Dunne today confirmed his intention to stand again in the Ohariu electorate in Wellington in this year’s general election.
“It is certainly my intention to stand again based on the many strong messages of encouragement and support I have been receiving from my constituents over recent months,” he told the Herald.
I expect Peter to win the seat. Almost without exception people claim he won’t win, and he does. They thought he would not win in 1984 but he did. Then in 1987 they thought he would lose because Bob Jones was not standing, but he won. Then in 1990 he held the seat despite the backlash against Labour. And then he has held the seat since 1996 despite not being in a major party.
His electoral record is:
- 1984 – 1,371
- 1987 – 4,492
- 1990 – 783
- 1993 – 1,065
- 1996 – 8,513
- 1999 – 12,557
- 2002 – 12,534
- 2005 – 7,702
- 2008 – 1,006
- 2011 – 1,392
- 2014 – 710