Election spending
Sir,—The two-party system is to blame for the election extravagance deplored by Denise Anker (May 8). After 40 years it has produced Ministers whose only qualification is a safe seat, according to Norman Jones, M.P. for Invercargill, and its record in the last five years has been lamentable. The National Party started this election spree with big business money muscle and know-how that outstripped Labour, dependent upon trade union backing, in 1978 down to a $3OOO trickle. The twin juggernaut party machines effectively stifled all opposition. At personal sacrifice by Social Credit members, the Beetham Dwyer Foundation was formed to break this stranglehold. In New Zealand enrolling is compulsory, in Australia voting, a more efficient system. We have an increasing number of non-voters, now about 30 per cent and another 21 per cent who make up their minds on election day so are ripe for party machine picking. Duncan Maclntyre is alarmed at Socred success in its challenge to two-party politics—Yours, etc.,
A. M. COATES. May 10, 1981.
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Press, 13 May 1981, Page 20
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170Election spending Press, 13 May 1981, Page 20
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