‘Long knives’ foil P.M.

Press, 12 November 1977, Page 1

‘Long knives’ foil P.M.

NZPA Washington The Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) yesterday expressed surprise about the non-selection of the National Party member, Mr G. P. A. Downie — a victim of electorate “long knives,” according to Mrs Downie. Mr Downie, member of Parliament for Pakuranga for two terms, lost the nomination to Mr P. de V. Hunt, a former electoriate chairman, who was chosen by the electorate selection committee. “I am surprised and sorry to lose him,” said

Mr Muldoon. "He was a good electorate member and a good member of Parliament.” Mr Muldoon said the development was unexpected and because he did not know what had gone on he did not wish to speculate about the reasons for Mr Downie's removal. However, it was reported from Auckland that Mr Muldoon had sent a strong “direction” through an emissary that Mr Downie, Mr Muldoon’s former Tamaki electorate chairman, was not to be replaced.

A party official said yesterday that a Cabinet Minister, whom he declined to name, had approached him with the message. Another party official said that the vote in the secret ballot was 72 to 51 in favour of the rival candidate, Mr Hunt, the former electorate chairman and an electrical service engineer. Mrs Elizabeth Downie, wife of Mr Downie, said she was’ “shocked and disgusted” by the result. “No-one has worked harder for the electorate than he has — he is

hardly ever home. And this is what he gets,” she said. “The long knives of Pakuranga were out last night. I am not disillusioned with political life. But I am with certain sections of the organisation,” Mrs Downie said. “The lack of loyalty to the party, that’s what has upset me.” Party workers suggested yesterday that Mr Muldoon’s “advice” might have backfired and that the vote against Mr Downie was their way of saying, “Leave it to the locals.”