The election

Press, 22 June 1984, Page 16

The election

Sir,—l have no difficulty in answering L. J. Stevens’ letter of June 19 on ex-Labour M.P.s now standing as independents. Labour members in the relevant electorates, and the selection panels, considered that other nominees were better than these sitting M.P.s. Labour has the courage to select the best candidate, whether sitting M.P. or not, and does not select its candidates for life. If their performance is inadequate, better people will replace them. That is as it should be. John Kirk got the messsage early, and stood down. The selection process is fair and democratic, though sometimes harsh. The end result is 95 very able and popular Labour candidates who will work closely together in a unified Labour govern-

ment. Derek Quigley, Mike Minogue, and Marilyn Waring, as well as Sir John Marshall, have made it clear that the same could not be said of any Muldoon government. — Yours, etc., D. J. O’ROURKE. June 21, 1984.

Sir,—l am surprised that Vic Thomas of the Canterbury Rugby Union objects to Mr Lange’s being in public view in front of the stands at Saturday’s rugby test. Mr Lange’s appearance has been labelled as “making political capital.” How often has our television viewing of tennis at Wilding Park or cricket from the Basin Reserve been interrupted by close-ups of Mr Muldoon in the crowd? — Yours, etc., DAVID KENNEDY. June 20, 1984.

Sir,—Derek Quigley quite obviously sees the writing on the wall — certainly no joy in being a backbencher on the Opposition benches under the leadership of Jim McLay, a relic of a defeated Muldoon Administration. Congratulations to Derek Quigley on his realism and acumen. — Yours, etc., J. N. SMITH, Auckland. June 18, 1984. Sir,—ln 1975, the National Party went into the election on a promise to deliver “New Zealand the way you want it.” Three years later, in 1978, it was “We’re keeping our word." In 1981, National launched their “Growth Strategy” (Think Big) upon the electorate. From the Prime Minister’s Friday night address to the nation, the catch-cry for this year’s election would appear to be, “National — warts and all.” This would be an appropriate slogan as most people are very keen to get rid of warts. — Yours, etc., GRANT MANGIN. June 19, 1984.