Key, Goff trade blows at Christchurch Press election debate

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Thu, 03 Nov 2011 7:01a.m.

Labour leader Phil Goff (AAP)

Labour leader Phil Goff (AAP)

Sparks flew at the second leaders' debate last night in Christchurch.

National's John Key and Labour's Phil Goff squared off with the economy dominating the argument.

• Live updates from the election campaign – click here

• Labour announce plan to plug $14b hole in promise

Mr Key repeatedly said that Labour had made $14 billion in promises that would be paid for by borrowing – $3 billion less than he was claiming the day before – and a figure rejected by Mr Goff.

"Just because you keep repeating it doesn't make it any less untrue, John," said Mr Goff.

"Well you haven't produced any numbers and we're nearly at the election day," replied Mr Key, at one point heckling Mr Goff: "Show me the money, show me the money!"

"You'll see the financial spreadsheet," said Mr Goff. "You'll see it produced for you."

"Well, tell us tonight," replied Mr Key, to loud applause, saying Labour would have to borrow "from the Chinese".

On whether the Government had done enough to stop the brain drain overseas, Mr Key said National was doing a better job than Labour.

"At least I didn't lose 300,000 like Labour did when they were in Government," said Mr Key.

Mr Goff hit back strongly: "That's 100,000 in two years John, you're not doing well."

Mr Key says he'll turn down a funding request from Canterbury University for $130 million, saying it's already funded for the year. Mr Goff says he can't give a comprehensive guarantee either but is keen to pump cash into some training schemes.

Mr Goff also ridiculed National's refusal to consider upping the minimum wage, with Mr Key saying people would lose their jobs if it was upped to $15 an hour.

Mr Goff said it was the "worst argument" he'd ever heard against a "living wage" that the cost of coffees and muffins would go up.

Christchurch resident John Williams - who was forcibly removed by police after heckling John Key - was furious he was booted out.

The two-hour debate at Christ's College was a more rambunctious affair than the TVNZ debate, with the leaders largely left to debate the issues without interruption.

The overall feeling was that Mr Key won on points, Mr Goff's inability to 'show the money' putting him at a disadvantage.

Mr Goff however had more support during the lengthy debate on the Government's handling of the Christchurch quake recovery.

He scored points when talking about how Gerry Brownlee had to backtrack over promises red zone residents wouldn't lose out under the Government's buyout package.

"If you're not going to do something for heavens' sake don't promise to," said Mr Goff.

Mr Key said the package was fair, but "not absolutely perfect".

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Comments

03 Nov 2011 02:38p.m.

ian wrote:

These matters are too serious to be treated in such a disgraceful shabby manner.Call it a debate --or verbal slugging match,it is still shameful. We must find a better way of informing people.

03 Nov 2011 11:12a.m.

Clarke wrote:

Hmmm, doesnt National intend to run a deficit next year? doesnt that mean they will be borrowing? how much? Key said Goff would have to borrow 14 Billion to get into surplus. Key fogot to mention he would be borrowing to get into surplus too.... UM!!! Johnny Boy.

03 Nov 2011 10:45a.m.

Cassidy M wrote:

It is shocking NZ’ers buy into John Key. John is a professional speculator, he is a trained currency exchange professional who speculates bases on likelihoods. John knows how to drive fear into people, but he also knows how to lie to get out of any situation. NZ’ers are being lied to and manipulated and it is sad they do not get this. John pretends he cares, but in reality he doesn’t. There is a reason they call him the "the smiling assassin" . He can pretend everything is ok one second, but the next he doesn’t care if you are unemployed and cannot afford to feed your family. Only Labour cares.

03 Nov 2011 09:24a.m.

Peter wrote:

eddie your comments are so true! Phil goff comes into these debates with nothing!! I mean what is Labour going to do for this country what is there 3 year plan? With National they are telling us what they have been doing and the next 3 years. where is the full story on this debate...always seems to be edited...i dont watch TV3 news anyway is always Labour sided news same as the Herald and radio. Us hard working kiwis have had enough and that is why we voted National last time this time and the next time and so will our children...because Phil goff you just dont get it! show us your policies!!!

03 Nov 2011 09:20a.m.

Hans wrote:

To Thomas who said: "The $14 billion figure is to pay for Labour's tax cuts and Goff didn't dispute that figure." Uh, yes he did dispute that figure. In fact, he rejected it repeatedly. Have a look at paragraphs 3 and 4 from this very article: ------ Mr Key repeatedly said that Labour had made $14 billion in promises that would be paid for by borrowing – $3 billion less than he was claiming the day before – and a figure rejected by Mr Goff. "Just because you keep repeating it doesn't make it any less untrue, John," said Mr Goff. ------

03 Nov 2011 08:15a.m.

Thomas wrote:

The $14 billion figure is to pay for Labour's tax cuts and Goff didn't dispute that figure. The $17 billion figure adds on increased spending promises. Key was clear about this. But the important figure was how much Goff had to make up for it, which was $0.

03 Nov 2011 07:31a.m.

eddie wrote:

Key-2, Goff-0...these debates are great, how can leader of opposition, 3 weeks out from an election, not have the answer to a question that is on everyones lips 'How are you going to pay for it?'...lol, he doesn't know!! 17billion in promises and no costings as to where/how he will get that money....borrow I guess?, after bagging National for 3yrs for ummm...well borrowing!, when's next debate?, that one will make it 3-0 to Key!

03 Nov 2011 07:27a.m.

Burton wrote:

I have no idea why we bother with these public debates. There will never be a points winner on things like the earthquake. It is such a major event and our expectations are so high that no one would measure up. Then the crazy expenditure in election years or at least promises during a recession serve no one (except maybe the politicians) The trouble is that solid staid policy does not win votes in this fickle country so we end up with grandstanding. Key is right there is no point in debating with minor parties, they can promise the world and deliver nothing. Accountability is required.