National to fly apart?

Press, 2 April 1987, Page 9

National to fly apart?

From front page j s ?'' /V-S 1 X s

there are also substantial disadvantages. Having Sir Robert as leader would condemn National to fighting in 1987 with the same leader and virtually the same policies as in 1984, when it lost so heavily. It would certainly cost National the support of most business houses. It is hard to fight elections on financial contributions from individuals, as Labour has found over the years. But Mr Bolger is not only worried by Sir Robert and his supporters. He lacks strong support from the free-market wing of the party — in Parliament and in the organisation. Those people liked the National Party emerging under Mr McLay. They have not forgiven Mr Bolger for being supported by Sir Robert or for re-elevating Sir . Robert to the front bench.

Mr Bolger has the support of the middle ground — at the moment. He is losing support from both wings of the party, and from those in the centre who can be panicked.

It is not certain the leadership challenge will succeed. Mr Bolger’s first challenge to Mr McLay did not succeed.

But an unsuccessful challenge might be even more devastating to National’s chances than the present turmoil. It was Mr Lange’s unsuccessful challenge against Mr Bill Rowling that so damaged Labour’s chances in 1981. An unsuccessful challenge might damage a National Party led by Mr Bolger even more than a successful challenge that replaces him with Sir Robert.

This situation is generating tremendous tensions within the National Party caucus, and there is a very real chance of the party once again flying apart.