A reality check was delivered this week with the announcement of a blowout in the Government's operating deficit for the first nine months of this year to $7.72 billion.
A speech by Finance Minister Bill English at midday today is expected to highlight to delegates to what extent election promises can be implemented.
Conference organiser Jo Goodhew, the National MP for Rangitata, said party faithful would want to send a message to the politicians that they hope election promises can be implemented and she expected Mr English's speech would provide some hints of what to expect in the budget later this month.
Equally, party members would want to tell the politicians how the various South Island communities were coping with the recession, she said.
