National Party leadership

Press, 5 December 1985, Page 20

National Party leadership

Sir,—Since the dumping of New Zealand’s economic mastermind, Sir Robert Muldoon, the political conspiracy led by the past leader and associates against Jim McLay is seen by many fair-minded people as a National scandal. All this trouble could have been avoided had those at the top carried out their responsibilities instead of leaving the decision-making to the president, Sue Wood, who has been badly let down. As an independent, I am in a better position than most to have my say in relation to this unhappy state of affairs which can only be to the advantage of the Labour Party. Jim McLay must be commended on his stand against his enemies and in the course of time will become a leader in the mould of a Holyoake, Walter Nash or Fraser. — Yours, etc.,

L. WESTNEY. December 2, 1985.

Sir,—lf the National Party were to remove Mr McLay from the leadership on the strength of virtually meaningless, and increasingly tiresome public polls, it would hardly inspire fresh confidence in the party’s cohesion or firm direction. Presumably it or the media are using these polls in an attempt to justify their shabby treatment of Mr McLay. Mr Bolger may well be the next victim as there is no obvious reason why he should fare any better. To reinstate Sir Robert Muldoon would only intensify personal conflicts and further deny Opposition members the chance to develop individually. If Mr McLay lacks leadership qualities, it seems as obvious that his sheep are

proving difficult to lead. Under these circumstances one works upon the sheep and does not ask a wolf to lend a hand. — Yours, etc.,

JANET R. HOLM. December 3, 1985.