P.M., interjector clash angrily

Press, 7 November 1978, Page 6

P.M., interjector clash angrily

PA Whangarei A man accused by the Prune Minister (Mr Muldoon) of being a disgrace to his profession of journalism walked out of Mr Muldoon’s election meeting at Whangarei last evening. As he left a packed Whangarei Town Hall the crowd shouted “Out, out.” The incident came after an angry exchange between Mr Muldoon and a man who was identified as a radio announcer from Whangarei. Mr Muldoon, explaining the Government’s policy on international sport, had said that the Government w’ould not refuse visas to persons wanting to come to New Zealand unless they had had previous convictions. Interjector: You’ve had a

couple of those yourovu. Mr Muldoon: Just what exactly are you saying? Interjector: For libel and urging people to disobey the law. Mr Muldoon told the interjector that he should see a lawyer and get a definition of the word conviction. "What’s your occupation, my friend? A radio announcer for Radio New Zealand in Whangarei, is that correct?” Mr Muldoon said. The crowd, in an uproar, confirmed this. “Is it any wonder the National Party gets the sort of treatment from the radio it does from time to time Mr Muldoon accused the interjector of being a “politically biased radio announcer” from Whangarei.

ns ine man stormed out of “He is dredging up the nonthe hall — with both arms evidence on the other side, raised high above his head and this is what I dislike and the crowd noise reaching about certain aspects of news a crescendo — Mr Muldoon and current affairs on telesaid. “That man is a dis- vision.”

grace to his profession of journalism.” He also sharply criticised a TVI reporter, Mr Bill Alexander, for “another whitewash” last evening about the alleged break-in to take the now-discarded National Party “hairy arm” advertising script. “Why is it that these television people so frequently, take the side of the Labour, Part on issues such as this.! “If the National Party had; been ‘on the spot’ would Mr Alexander have given ex-! cuses and reasons why it did I inot happen?” Mr Muldoon! I said.

Mr Muldoon’s address ranged over the Government’s handling of the fish negotiations with Japan, sports contacts, drugs, and violence. He accused the Labour Party of adopting a “soft” international trading stance on fishing, and charged the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Rowling) with “duplicity and deceit” when, as Prime Minister, he negotiated a butter deal with Britain in November, 1975. Mr Muldoon dismissed Labour’s promises for this election.

“Remember what they did when they had the chance. They gave the good side of the bargain, and suppressed the bad side.”

i On sports contacts, Mr Muldoon said: “We are not| 'going to limit the freedom! (of New Zealanders. I will; not be party to anything that! : limits the freedom of New; Zealanders.” : Interjector: You have been! (doing it for three years. ( , He drew loud applause when he explained legislation rhe Government had i brought down to control Violence and the misuse of! (drugs.

He said that the only justification for reintroducing capital punishment, apart from acts of treason, would be for the “hard, cold, professional killer.”