National Party leadership

Press, 2 November 1984, Page 12

National Party leadership

Sir,—D. J. O’Rourke’s statement of October 30 that Sir Robert Muldoon was a huge liability to this country, and how we all supposedly suffered painfully, for nearly a decade, shows that he has not been aware of world affairs in' the stated period. Under Sir Robert Muldoon’s outstanding leadership we have come through the oil shocks, adverse terms of trade, repayments of the previous Labour Government’s $1.2 billion consumption squander, with no investment means for repayment of high interest loans. Our percentage of unemployed in relation to the work force is one of the lowest in the Western world. Our rate of inflation was down to 4.7 per cent when Labour took office; it is now nearly double and rising rast First mortgage interest rates have gone up ll per cent to 16 p<* cent.

Devluation is viciously increasing the price of petrol, and putting New Zealand $2 billion further in debt. I say, don’t go Rob, we need you. — Yours, etc., P. MIDDLETON. October 30, 1984.

Sir,—Mr Cunningham of the Selwyn Electorate executive of the National Party is deluding himself and a small percentage of the electorate if he still does not recognise that leadership did not cause the massive rejection of the National Party at the last election. At least Miss Richardson does not have tunnel vision and has the courage to openly state her mind. I can assure Mr Cunningham his party will languish in opposition, bereft of support and direction if his view has much suport in the party. Miss Richardson’s increased majority — against the national trend — showed support for her opposition to a regulated economy as promulgated by the previous Prime Minister. She still, however, lost hundreds of votes National would normally receive because voters had decided enough was enough as far as the party leadership, and, consequently, direction, was concerned. — Yours, etc., J. J. D. HOLDERNESS. October 30, 1984.

Sir, — The continuing saga of the Muldoon'demise is becoming a joke throughout the Commonwealth. His activities are to the detriment of the National Party and the country. The powers-that-be should demand his resignation. The former leader’s statement that he has had thousands of requests to stay in office must be taken with a pinch of salt, for no true member of the National Party would want another dose of Muldoonism which over the last nine years has brought this country to the verge of bankruptcy. This redundant ex-leader is standing in the way of more progressive National members of Parliament — George Gair and Jim McLay and the dark horse, Jim Bolger. —

Yours, etc., L. WESTNEY. October 29, 1984.