A 'whirlwind’ of criticism

Press, 1 December 1978, Page 1

A 'whirlwind’ of criticism

A proverb says: “He who sows the wind reaps the whirlwind.” The Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon), forced to defer planning until the result of the General Election is declared about December 11, may find cold comfort in this, writes Cedric Mentiplay from Wellington.

The whirlwind in this instance is in the form of letters pouring into the offices of Ministers and National Party members. The letters are from selfproclaimed National supporters of long standing. They explain, to the satisfaction of the writers at least, why. though still “bona fide” party members, they could not bring themselves to vote Nat-

ional while Mr R. D. Muldoon remained political leader. » • •

It is less than five years since Mr Muldoon took over the political leadership of a National party which had suffered a devastating defeat at the polls in 1972. Making full usfe of his abrasive, thrusting style, he turned defeat into the 55-32 victory of 1975 — without, it appears, attaining full acceptance by the more conservative supporters of his party. The letters arriving on ministerial desks have a strange similarity. The writer introduces ’ himself or herself as a long-time National supporter, and then the excuses for nonsupport begin.

It is difficult to determine whether the writers are trying to salve guilty consciences, whether they are explaining what must be done to win their continued support, or whether they merely want to explain that they favour National but not Mr Muldoon.

There is no doubting their message, however. It is: “Depose Mr Muldoon as political leader and you can count on our continued support.” Mr Muldon Is well aware of this personal reaction. After all, over the last four years it was largely by his example that issues became polarised and personalities abrasive. But did this not also come about because

of a public yearning for positive leadership, rather than the negativism of the previous three years? He is keeping a low profile since the election, and is difficult to draw out. He admitted to me, however, that he had been consciously holding himself back during his election speeches, and had been unhappy doing so. “Perhaps I should have conducted a campaign based on the inadequacies of the Leader of the Opposition,” he told me. “This was in essence what he did to me. But then I would have been criticised . . .” He mused a little, and said, somewhat wearily: “What people must bear in mind is that Rowling and I are the same as we were

three years ago. There has been no change. Nor will there be.”

Asked if there had been a vote of confidence in his leadership at yesterday’s caucus meeting — the first since the election —Mr Muldoon said: “We don’t need those things. It’s the Labour Party that needs those things.” When a reporter asked him if his leadership was in doubt, Mr Muldoon asked the reporter: “Do you think it is?” The reporter said he was asking the question because other people were involved.

Mr Muldoon replied: “The question hasn’t been raised.”