Nats gear for early election

Press, 31 January 1986, Page 23

Nats gear for early election

PA Wellington The National Party is gearing for a General Election before the end of the year, says the party’s president, Mrs Sue Wood. It was bringing forward candidate selection and policy submission deadlines, and setting membership and financial targets earlier than in any previous three-year election cycle, she said after a party executive meeting, in Wellington.

The next election is not due until September, 1987, but there was speculation last year that the Government might go to the country earlier. “All policy submissions will be completed by June in preparation for the

manifesto, and all key seats will be selected by the National Party conference at the end of July,” ■ said Mrs Ward. Four seats were proceeding to selection, with March 21 the date for Ashburton. Fendalton, Marlborough and" Taranaki had already reached their membership and selection requirements.

The timetable placed considerable pressure on the party, she said. Last year was “tough,” because the party had to “reposition and realign” itself after a serious defeat. However, it had learned those lessons, she said.