Radicalism not Leftist monopoly

By Roger Wilde

"Radical attitudes are not the monopoly of the left," the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Marshall, said at Victoria recently.

"Radical students who can offer constructive and not destructive criticism can find a place in the National Party."

Mr. Marshall defined a radical as someone intent on uprooting established ways and values and thus changing society.

"All students should be probing, testing, examining the establishment."

"They will find some changes are needed, but they will also find much which is good and must be preserved."

Mr. Marshall said conservatism towards established values meant that all is good and must be preserved.

"I try to maintain an attitude of liberalism," he said.

"This is an attitude of progressive conservatism."

Mr Marshall accused the Labour Party of "resting on their laurels."

"The Labour Party did establish the Welfare State and New Zealand liked it.

"At that stage they were a genuine progressively radical party, he said.

"They are now the guardians of their own creation."