Defeat
By 1999, National was holding onto power via an unstable coalition of former New Zealand First (and one Alliance) MPs. By contrast, Labour had established a friendly working relationship with the Alliance. Labour leader Helen Clark had improved her public image, while Jenny Shipley had difficulty connecting with the public. A series of minor scandals concerning National's management of various state organisations helped Labour win nearly 39% of the party vote and 49 seats, compared to National's 30.5% (39 seats). Potential National allies Act and United won only 9 and 1 seats, respectively.
Read more about this topic: Fourth National Government Of New Zealand
Famous quotes containing the word defeat:
“One strong wolf cannot defeat a pack of dogs; one strong arm cannot defeat many fists.”
—Chinese proverb.
“In defeat unbeatable: in victory unbearable.”
—Winston Churchill (1874–1965)
“And, “Better defeat almost,
If seen clear,
Than life’s victories of doubt
That need endless talk-talk
To make them out.””
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)