Swain confirms his retirement

has confirmed that he will retire at the 2008 election after 18 years in Parliament.

While never a high flyer, Swain was a pretty competent .  And always appreciated the he did recommend in 2003, but Theresa went over his head and struck a deal with Helen.  Would have been nice to have LLU happen three years earlier.

His seat is reasonably safe, so will be interesting to see who stands for it, now that Andrew Little has said he won't.