Mr Highet to be challenged

Press, 31 March 1980, Page 2

Mr Highet to be challenged

PA Wellington An Auckland lawyer (Mr Doug Graham) has reaffirmed his determination to contest the National Party nomination for Remuera in spite of the intention of the sitting member, the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Highet), to seek re-election. Mr Highet announced his decision last Saturday evening, saying Mr Graham’s intention to stand regardless of whether, he .sought , reelection had been the turning.point. Mr .Graham said on Saturday that "his deep concern over the problems facing the country and his hope to help solve them required him to carry on, regardless. “Either one is prepared to stand: .up and do something one believes is right and to carry ,on, or .he is not,” Mr Graham said. “I am.”

“I am standing to try to offer constructive assistance to the electorate, and the country". I have been criticised for niy ' approach, which is no more or less than my approach to a piajor trial, which is to do all the necessary, research, to become as well qualified

as possible, and to prepare the argument I intend to put forward.

“To that end I have spent a lot of time meeting people from all walks of life • to listen to their problems, hopes, and aspirations, especially in areas which are outside the law. The fact that this approach has resulted in criticism is incredible and sad to me, and strengthens rather than weakens my resolve.” ■ • After Mr Highet announced he would stand again, all the challengers withdrew except for Mr Graham.

Mr Graham has been running an intense Ameri-can-style campaign, which has upset some National Party supporters in Remuera.

■They have not liked either his tactics or the fact that he was" making . a strong push before Mr Highet had decided , whether to , stand. The Minister had hinted that he might be retiring from politics, but had said nothing official. The Prime Minister (Mr ! Muldoon) said he would not try to prevent any challenge Ito a sitting Cabinet Minister.