P.M. expected to stay

Press, 23 October 1980, Page 1

P.M. expected to stay

NZPA political reporter It seemed almost certain last evening that the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) would continue to lead the National Party after today’s caucus meeting. Members of Parliament of both factions confirmed that those who had challenged his leadership did not have the muster to succeed. But it is equally certain that pressure will be put on Mr Muldoon to. alter his tack at the helm of the Government. One member of Parliament, an avowed Muldoon supporter, said ’ that the group of nine members of Parliament who had visited Mr' Muldoon on Tuesday. morning to declare their status-quo stance had presented a formal list of about 12 suggestions for a change of direction. The list was discussed,- by. a core ,of Mr Muldoon’s supporters on Tuesday. It is believed that the list contained suggestions in the areas'.of the Prime Minister’s image, the delegation .of Cabinet portfolios, and a more definite enunciation of policies such as the transition from indirect to direct taxation.

Suggestions ’.that there was to be a change in

leadership, fuelled by the early return of the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Talboys) yesterday, were dampened by the defection of at least one of the “colonels” into the Muldoon camp. The “colonels,” including a core of Cabinet ministers, were reported to be behind the moves to change the leadership. The controversy was brought into the open by Mr Muldoon himself last Thursday when he admitted that the leadership issue had been raised in caucus and that some members of Parliament had suggested he be replaced by Mr Taiboys. However, sources said that although the informal caucus procedure foreshadowing a change had been made, it had failed. That procedure involves those who seek change putting it down on paper, in an envelope, and passing it to a trusted caucus member, usually one not directly involved in the issue. When the number of envelopes reaches a caucus majority they are given to the chairman. It is believed that that is what happened when Sir John Marshall was ousted in T 974 and that because the envelope procedure was used the issue did not get to. a formal vote. There were assertions

yesterday- by those supporting the status quo that the leadership issue haa befn “settled.” But Mr Taiboys, on his return from a European trip lobbying New Zealand’s i .se in the. E.E.C., did not rule out the possibility of change. He reiterated his

view, which he had made known last week by telephone from Europe, that “if the caucus wants to make a change and wants me to be part of thatchange, then I am willing to serve. I have been offered jobs and have been invited to serve the National Party and the National Government in a number of capacities and I have not declined any one of them.” Mr Taiboys did not re-

peat his advice, also given last week, that the caucus should “stick with” the present leadership. Earlier yesterday Mr Muldoon said that Mr Talboys would issue a statement. But the statement was not forthcoming.

Several members of Parliament explained it thus: If Mr Taiboys either announced that he would retire at the end of next year or that he was not interested in the leadership, any bargaining power those seeking change had would be dissipated. He had been advised by some members of Parliament not to end the speculation. Another member of Parliament suggested that the desire for change in the caucus was widespread but that one faction wanted it to include a change of leader while the other believed the party should retain the present leadership but change the styleThis view was backed up by at least two other members of Parliament who in the last two weeks have lobbied hard for a change of Prime Minister. Both acknowledged that they wanted Mr Muldoon replaced but spoke of “accommodation” on both sides. Mr Taiboys said on his arrival at Auckland yesterday morning that

his “greatest interest” was the resolution of the problem “in bringing together the party as a really effective Government, which it is, and which it can and will continue to be.” He indicated that he would discuss with Mr Muldoon the latter’s states ment that he was “too long in the tooth for change.” Mr Taiboys spent the morning closeted in his office making telephone calls. He had leave from Parliament yesterday afternoon and evening.

Today’s caucus meeting will begin at 10 a.m. at Parliament Buildings. Such meetings usually run until about 1 p.m. but besides the leadership issue it is expected that the caucus will discuss its Whips. The Senior Whip (Mr A. P. D. Friedlander) was reported by Mr Muldoon to be in favour of a change of leadership. Mr Muldoon has publicly raised the question of how he can reconcile his job, as Mr Muldoon’s organiser in Parliament, with his personal views on the leadership. The row blew up at the week-end, a day after Mr Friedlander had collapsed. The official cause was overwork. His deputy, the Junior Whip (Mr D. M. J, Jones) later said that Mr Muldoon had sought Mr Friedlander’s resignation.