Minister wrote resignation letter early

Press, 11 December 1989, Page 1

Minister wrote resignation letter early

PA Dunedin The Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Mr Rodger, surprised most of his colleagues and supporters yesterday with the announcement that he plans to retire from Parliament at the next election. But the move by the Dunedin North M.P., aged 49, was premeditated. Mr Rodger lodged a sealed envelope containing his plans with the editor of the “Otago Daily Times” in February last year (1988) with the proviso, “To be opened when authorised by me.”

The plans were known only to a few confidants, including the Prime Minister, Mr Palmer, and former Prime Minister Mr David Lange. Mr Rodger, who is ranked No. 5 in the Cabinet, told his electorate committee of his decision this week-end. In a telephone call to the editor of the “Otago Daily Times” last evening he advised that the sealed envelope could be opened arid might contain news of interest for Monday’s paper. “The reason for my supplying you with a sealed note so far in advance of my retirement an-

nouncement is that I sense that when my decision is made public it may be misrepresented and said to .be in response to some as yet unknown political, economic or administrative event. “It is in the nature of a contingent protection that might not be required,” the letter said. “The more I thought of my situation in political life, the more I realised that the reform would be completed by 1990. That being the case I resolved to announce as close as possible to my fiftieth birthday my retire-

ment from Parliament. My birthday is February 13. “I have long held the view that men and women interested in political life and wishing to enter Parliament should seek election when they are aged between 35 and 45 so as to have a field of useful experience to draw upon, as political life involves making decisions that require good judgment;’ ■■ “People with little experience “ gWerally ’ have faulty judgment in my opinion. People in this age range generally have good energy levels to. enable them to undertake the strenuous duties of

being a Member of Parliament.

“Once an M.P. has had the opportunity of making a contribution to political life for a few terms — especially if they have had the good fortune to attain ministerial rank — they should, I believe, have the courage then to depart. Such a decision is of course hard. Office can be addictive. Mr Rodger said he had “absolutely no idea” what his immediate plans would be. He became the member for Dunedin North in 1978 after serving as president of the Public Service Association.