2002 Leaders Debate - Analysis

As for the worm, I think that's a total irrelevancy and has no place in intelligent discussion.

– Jim Bolger's infamous assessment of The Worm when it was first used in the 1996 election

People weren't quite so interested, weren't quite so excited when he got on to his policy.

– Commentator Colin James on Bill English

If we want to have a country that's cohesive and pulling together, we will put a time frame on resolving the settlements and we'll do it as quickly as possible, otherwise we'll tear ourselves apart.

– United leader Peter Dunne

The worm responds to positive statements.

– Commentator Chris Trotter

I don't regret being angry when false allegations were made against the Government, what was put to me without any warning was an allegation that I had personally masterminded a cover-up of the planting of GM contaminated seed. Paul: that did not happen.

– Helen Clark

Winston Peters, and Peter Dunne: the only ones to get the worm ... above the line.

– Host Peter Williams