Deputy’s ‘no comment’ becoming an art form

Press, 19 July 1983, Page 1

Deputy’s ‘no comment’ becoming an art form

NZPA chief Parliamentary reporter

The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Maclntyre, is renowned round Parliament Buildings for his economy of words.

The press conferences he gives when he sits in as Acting Prime Minister are not exactly full of revelations, if he agrees to meet journalists at all.

His variations of the “no comment” response have become something of an art form, but in the last week he has soared to' new heights in the eyes of observers.

When the saga of New Zealand scientists having their research thwarted by the Soviet Union began last week, Mr Maclntyre refused to comment, even though the staff involved were employed by his Ministry, Agriculture. His office turned journalists away, saying Mr MacIntyre wanted to wait until

the scientists arrived in port for their version.

When they did reach Wellington, Mr Maclntyre’s press secretary continued to tell journalists there would be no comment. The Minister was awaiting an official report from his department. In the meantime, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Cooper, gave interviews on the subject, but said it was really a matter between Mr Maclntyre and the New Zealand firm, Sanford, which chartered the Soviet trawler Dolomit.

After the official report landed on Mr Maclntyre’s desk yesterday, his office was asked for an opportunity to see the Minister. The response was that Mr Maclntyre was not available for comment because he believed the matter was one for Sanford to resolve.

Furthermore, reporters were told that Mr MacIntyre believed too much had been said on the subject already.