National has priorities 'all wrong’

Press, 7 June 1983, Page 2

National has priorities 'all wrong’

PA Wellington The National Party has its priorities all wrong and only a blind optimist could assert that the party’s present direction will assure victory in 1984, according to the Auckland Young Nationals chairman, Mr Mark Lowndes. Voters seemed confused as to what the party was all about, he said at the Young Nationals’ Conference at The Chateau on Sunday. “We are not fulfilling the needs and expectations of the voters,” he said.

The electorate was irritated by policies which appeared to be short-term expediency. Mr Lowndes suggested that Cabinet Ministers should employ committed public relations specialists to improve their communication with voters.

Rejuvenation of the party, a recurring theme at Young National gatherings and one often referred to by National Party president. Mrs Sue Wood, was taken up by two members of Parliament at the conference. The Under-Secretary for Internal Affairs, Mr Thompson, said that the reappraisal urged by Mrs Wood of the organisation, personnel, and objectives of the party was vital for its well-being. The member for Waikato, Mr Simon Upton, said that the Government must avoid the “been there, done that” syndrome. He suggested that the future of the party lay with members of Parliament such as Mr lan McLean (Tarawera), Mr Michael Cox (Manuwatu), and Mr Doug Kidd (Marlborough).