Mr Minogue ‘invited’ to resign

Press, 16 June 1982, Page 1

Mr Minogue ‘invited’ to resign

PA Wellington A Government backbencher, Mr M. J. Minogue, has revealed that he has been “expressly invited" by the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) to resign from Parliament. •But he has declined the invitation. The rebel Hamilton West member said that the former Minister of Works, Mr Derek Quigley was not the only Government member who had been told by Mr Muldoon to “get out." “Do not be under any illusions about that. He invites any one to get out who crosses him," said Mr Minogue.

Mr Quigley resigned from the Cabinet after being told by Mr Muldoon that he had a choice of for a speech he made to the Young Nationals, or relinquishing his Ministerial posts. Mr Minogue said yesterday

at Parliament Buildings. "I have had an express invitation from the Prime Minister to go from this place." Asked when the invitation had been issued, he said, “Never mind when. One becomes immune to these goings-on.". Mr Minogue has rebelled against certain Government policies, and is one of possibly four caucus members who have disagreed with the intention to legislate to enable the Clyde high dam to be built. He also let opposition to the Government’s first draft intentions to change the broadcasting laws this year. Criticising Prime MinisteriaT power, he said. “The law is effectively what he says it is. If you do not like it you can go. I do not think people are going to be content to live with it." But Mr Minogue said that he would not leave Parliament.