Political appointments

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 34021, 10 December 1975, Page 20

Political appointments

Sir, — The apparent hypocrisy in discussion of political appointments leaves me stunned. If it did not make political appointments did the National Party believe that only National Party sympathisers would be right for certain jobs? How else can one explain key “National” personnel in, for example, broadcasting and air services, under National. Obviously R. V. Shaw did not watch or listen to election coverage as avidly as I did; otherwise he would have been conscious of the subtle but very distinct bias towards National in these media (Mr Muldoon spoke to “capacity” audiences, Mr Rowling spoke to a specified number). Not subtle at all, and unacceptable in a documentary, was the reference to the “economic mismanagement” of the Australian Labour Government, given as fact after being heard as a Liberal Party quote. The true colours of TV showing through a week before our election? — Yours, etc., B. ROBERTS. December 9, 1975. Sir,—lt is surprising to find Mr Muldoon, who has identified himself with the cause of freedom, attacking

the Citizens for Rowling because they criticised his personal style of politics. Mr Muldoon seems to think that it is only politicians who should be free to criticise politicians. It would be more to Mr Muldoon’s credit if he could demonstrate that the evidence used by the Citizens for Rowling to criticise his style of politics was false. Instead he attacks their freedom to criticise those who contend for high public office. It has recently become clear that all major political and economic decisions in New Zealand are to be made by one man. That an individual can have this power intensifies my concern that all New Zealanders should have the freedom to criticise not only their politicians’ policies, but also their personal qualities and their style of leadership.—Yours etc. ROSEMARY NOVITZ. December 8, 1975.