Murray coy on mayoral hopes

Press, 15 February 1989, Page 8

Murray coy on mayoral hopes

By

NIGEL MALTHUS

The mayoral aspirations of Mrs Margaret Murray remained unknown last evening, in spite of her confirming that she had been in touch with the camp of her likely rival, Sir Hamish Hay. Mrs Murray said that she was in contact with the Citizens’ Association — raising the posibility that the association could announce next month a “ticket” for the forthcoming elections of Sir Hamish for Mayor and Mrs Murray for deputy. But Mrs Murray, the Waimairi District chairman and a strong prospect for the metropolitan mayoralty in her own right, distanced herself from Sir Hamish and said she was considering all options.

Mrs Murray was responding to a report that the Citizens’ Association fears the conservative vote would be split if she stood against Sir Hamish, who will almost certainly be confirmed next month as the association’s candidate. Such a split would clear the way for Labour’s candidate, who will most likely be a city councillor and Local Government Commission member, Ms Vicki Buck. The association has been trying to woo Mrs Murray into its ranks on the understanding that, if Sir Hamish became Mayor, she would be his deputy, and could contest the mayoralty in 1992, when he is expected to retire. The problem for the associa-

tion is that that outcome depends on a Citizens’ majority on the new council, which cannot be guaranteed. “Nobody can promise me anything. True, they can try,” said Mrs Murray. Asked whether the “exciting news” the association promised to announce at its annual meeting could concern her, she replied, “It could well be. It remains to be seen.” The association’s chairman, Mr Dennis Rich, declined to comment , on the approach to Mrs Murray. Both he and Mr Newton Dodge, an association executive member, denied, however, the suggestion that the meeting, originally set down for last evening, had been delayed in a last-ditch effort to win her over.

Mr Dodge said the meeting was delayed because the reports of some of the sub-committees were not ready. It will be held on March 2. Mrs Murray said Sir Hamish was seen by Christchurch people as a good Mayor, but one who had been there a long time. “I represent a local authority which has been progressive, given a good service, and kept costs down. That’s what the people of Christchurch want” They were disenchanted, and feared “more of the same,” she said. Clearly leaving open the possibility of her seeking the mayoralty herself, Mrs Murray said that the people of Christchurch wanted something that was new, and seen to be new.