Former speech-writer talks about Sir Robert

Press, 8 November 1984, Page 9

Former speech-writer talks about Sir Robert

PA Wellington The Leader of the Opposition, Sir Robert Muldoon, seemed to be bent on taking on all comers, according to his former speech-writer, Mr Kenneth Hancock. Writing in the latest issue of “Company Director and Professional Administrator,” Mr Hancock referred to Sir Robert’s memorandum in September criticising the National Party organisation for the General Election defeat. Mr Hancock said that the “ail comers” now included the party president, Mrs Sue

Wood, and its general director, Mr Barrie Leay. Yet, he said, both Mr Leay and Mrs Wood, had occupied their positions long enough while Sir Robert was Prime Minister for him to detect any cause for dissatisfaction, “as indeed was the case with the Treasury and the Reserve ■ Bank.” “The Dominion council (of the National Party), instead of shying away from its duty, as it did in failing to shed quickly Sir Robert as leader, should affirm its confidence in Mrs Wood and Mr Leay.”

Sir Robert in September criticised Mr Leay for his business interests. Mr Hancock said both Mrs Wood and Mr Leay had made a number of overseas trips at the party’s expense. “No doubt Mr Leay, as a Yorkshireman always with an eye on the main chance (for New' Zealand), would be looking at trade openings and any other opportunities which could be brought to the attention of the Government,” he said. “Mrs Wood’s overseas visits would have broadened the range of her somewhat limited experience and bet-

ter equipped her for the presidency of a party. “Mrs Wood would not have been able from her personal resources, and the $25,000 a year honorarium, which is all it amounts to, to afford those trips in the party interest.”

Mr Hancock said that it was a pity Sir Robert’s memorandum to the Dominion council was not made public “for the thousands who provide the funds to run the National Party, the best work for which is done by volunteers in the provinces and the city marginals.”