Party branch backs Mr Quigley

Press, 16 June 1982, Page 6

Party branch backs Mr Quigley

Honesty and integrity are more important than “closed-door . government." according to the Young Nationals' Canterbury-West-land policy officer. Mr Stuart Boag. In a news release after an emergency meeting of the Canterbury-Westland branch. Mr Boag said that the member of Parliament for Rangiora. Mr Derek Quigley, was the only member of the Cabinet who had lived up to his responsibilities to explain the Government's policy to the people of New Zealand. “The forced resignation of Mr Quigley left Young Nationals furious and disillusioned with the Government's ability to be frank and honest with the public." he said. Mr Quigley should be admired for his loyalty to the principles of the party on whose ticket he was elected. Loyalty to the public and the National Party at large must always outweigh the behind-the-scenes government seep at present, said Mr Boag. The address to the Young Nationals’ conference by Mr Quigley should not be seen as breaching the collective responsibility of Cabinet. To discuss openly the possibilities and effects of Cabinet

dpcisions must be the essence of participatory democracy. he said. . “Only honest debate of the type initiated by Mr Quiglev last week-end can ensure any continued National Party or public confidence in the Government." Mr Boag said.

The co-leader of the Values Party; Dr Alan Wilkinson. also spoke in support of Mr Quigley yesterday. / “Mr Quigley’ is right on three points." he said. "The National Party has failed to practise open government: the growth strategy was doomed before it began because most of its projects are too big, too vulnerable, and an unwise use of our resources: and the Government, and particularly the Prime Minister, have been too keen to direct New Zealanders and have listened only to views they wanted to hear." The National Party had to take Mr Quigley’s comment to heart and consider whether it wanted to continue making policy without public support, said Dr Wilkinson. The National Party also had to consider whether it could afford to “cast aside" anyone who challenged the Prime Minister.