NZ No-Hoper Set to Turn the Poll Tables

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Four months ago, five leading frontbenchers of New Zealand's opposition Labour Party urged Helen Clark, their leader, to step aside in light of her dismal standing in opinion polls. She refused and is now poised to become the country's first female prime minister after tomorrow's election.

It would be one of the biggest fight-backs in New Zealand's political history for a woman renowned as one of Parliament's finest intellects but who lacks popular appeal. Labour, racked by dissent since David Lange resigned as prime minister in 1989, has languished in the polls all this election year.

Ms Clark, 46, with her humourless image, had struggled to get above the margin …