Can the Greens survive Government?

Liam Hehir looks at what happens to minor parties in Government:

• Between 1996 and 1999, New Zealand First went from 13.35 to 4.25 per cent.
• Between 1999 and 2002, the Alliance went from 7.74 to 1.27 per cent.
• Between 2002 and 2005, United Future went from 6.62 to 2.67 per cent.
• Between 2005 and 2008, New Zealand First went from 5.72 to 4.07 per cent.

So if the Greens do make Government, will they survive it? They have no electorate seats as a life boat.