Opposition disarray affects debate in House: P.M.

Press, 3 December 1985, Page 8

Opposition disarray affects debate in House: P.M.

Parliamentary reporter The Opposition’s political state is causing problems for the Government keeping its members “on their toes,” said the Prime Minister, Mr Lange, yesterday. The Government was “engaging in much more vigorous debate within the party,” through its caucus and Cabinet committees, he said.

“We are turning our Cabinet committee meetings into the sorts of forums

where you can actually keep an interest in politics alive, because I can assure you that in Parliament you can’t do that,” Mr Lange said.

His comments came in response to questions about National’s continued poor showing in the public opinion polls and that party’s leadership de-

Mr Lange described the Opposition as being in “total disarray.” Referring to the Govern-

ment, Mr Lange said that when polls indicated it was ahead some members could think there was “a margin for luxury” and become complacent. Mr Lange said that he personally had not spoken in the House for about two months. ’

“I say there is absolutely no challenge in speaking in the House ... it is the most unstimulating environment for a Government Minister to work in that I ever dreamt it would be.”