In 80 years, National has never sought re-election with such rare incompetence in the basic task of making a case for itself. In a leaders’ debate, Christopher Luxon mentioned the Government’s achievements in education, infrastructure and housing. Even National’s opponents have to give them those three. So why has it taken until we’re in the home straight before National started to make those topics the centre piece of its daily announcements?

It is telling that Labour is not ahead. Too much of the time, Labour has been campaigning for a restoration of the Ardern government.

If they can’t run their own campaigns competently, when they have total control over them, why would they be able to run the country?

We have never been in the position before where both Labour and National are exceptionally weak and the Prime Minister’s party doesn’t dominate its partners.

Josie's Post Column is here.