Nats Out of Touch

In a Dateline interview, Muldoon stated that the National Party's strength lay in it's links with the 'grassroots' of the party and with the people.

He may be dreaming. The National Party hierarchy came in for much criticism at the conference especially over economic policy — National match winner in 1975. Many remits were not considered and Muldoon publically stated that he dissaproved of members challenging sitting MP's for candidacy.

The crunch, however, came in Muldoons concluding speech. When referring to remits passed at the conference he remarked . . and we will certainly consider these remits when forming policy for the mext election". It almost makes the Labour Party seem democratic.

Muldoon cannot seriously think he can fool New Zealanders that his promises of economic miracles can be fulfilled. The major task for the National Party in the next 15 months will be to restrain Muldoon and start thinking of some new election bribes.

— David Murray.