Early decision on successor

Press, 2 May 1985, Page 1

Early decision on successor

By

OLIVER RIDDELL

in Wellington

A decision as to who will be the new Speaker of Parliament to succeed Sir Basil Arthur is expected to be made at the Government’s caucus meeting on May 9.

The caucus is due to meet tomorrow but this is too soon for a decision, although the topic will be discussed. It is by no means certain that the Acting Speaker, Mr John Terris, will be confirmed as Speaker. Mr Terris has had difficulty in controlling Parliament and has come under attack from the National Opposition for his performance. Tension grew so great during February that the Opposition boycotted Parliament one afternoon and National’s leader, Mr McLay, moved a motion of no-confidence in Mr Terris, although this was later withdrawn.

By contrast, the Acting Chairman of Committees, Mr Trevor Young, has done very well and has impressed everyone. He must have a very good chance of leap-frogging Mr Terris and being appointed Speaker.

However, there are other potential candidates. Delaying a decision until May 9 will give them a chance to gain support. Although Sir Basil proved an outstanding Speaker, his

choice for the past year was in some respects a consolation prize. He has not been a success as a Cabinet Minister during 1972-75 and was spared the embarrassment of not being chosen for the Cabinet last year in spite of his seniority. This time, Labour members of Parliament are likely to choose a Speaker for more positive reasons.

The same thinking that led to the appointment of a Maori Governor-General may lead to another break with tradition in choosing a Speaker. There has never been a woman or a Maori Speaker, which possibilities are being considered now. However, Mr Young, after 19 years in Parliament since his election in 1966 for Eastern Hutt, and with the respect he has won in recent months as Acting Chairman of Committees, is the front runner at this stage. Sir Basil will be buried at the Timaru cemetery on Saturday, the Press Association reported. A spokesman for the Prime Minister, Mr Lange, said that the question of a by-election in Timaru was not likely to be considered by the Government until next week.