Muldoon brings escort

by Mike Freeman

Muldoon was on campus again on the first Monday of the study break. The occasion was the beginning of Young Nationals' week and he was the guest speaker. Despite the undoubted interest that a presence as great as his generates, the main talking point of the night was only semi related to his talk. This involved the appearance of uniformed police on campus.

Because the meeting had been widely advertised and was open to the public the Young Nats, felt that an attack on their hero was at least a possibility. They needn't have worried, there wasn't even a verbal assault. Only two of the estimated two hundred present seemed to be in opposition to his views, and so there was no more than a semblance of debate.

The police themselves denied that they were expecting any trouble, 'showing the flag! was how one constable explained his presence. However that is not the point. No matter what the reason, they were there, despite an agreement between the students association and the police that this should not happen The Young Nats, broke an official rule when they invited the cops. Before any such request can be made the permission of either the Vice-Chancellor or the Student President must be obtained, neither was. Nor was it even sought. When questioned about this by Exec members, the Young Nats, denied they had asked the police to attend. Then faced with a policeman who stated that he and his colleagues were there because of a specific request, quickly changed their tune. They admitted responsibility but claimed that it was all a misunderstanding. Funny thing was that they asked me not to mention the bit about the invitation. I'm sorry I can't oblige, the girls were smiling so sweetly, but the point has to be made.

The police invited someone from the Exec to ring the station and find out why they had been sent. This was done and following a conversation with National Party people, the constables left.

To the meeting itself. Muldoon and Comber accompanied by the three guardians of the law entered the hall to a standing ovation. The cops looked the place over, retired to seats at the back and began studying the National Party propaganda with which they had been supplied.

Pearson of the Young Nats, introduced Muldoon who told us for a very painful forty five minutes why he was going to change jobs with Bill Rowling. A dismal effort, rarely more than an egotistical resume of his own merits, those of his party colleagues and of that fine body of future leaders - the Young Nats. He never really lifted above droning monologue the didn't need to, every time he opened his mouth the sheep roared their approval. Preaching as he was to the converted, he didn't bother attaching factual evidence to his accusations, and came out with some outrageous statements. Examples abound, for instance, traditionally the opposition asks the questions and the government gives the answers. Which is how we worked it when the government but as opposition we've been asking the questions and giving all the answers too, because the government has none.' A further insult to all but the intelligence of the vast majority present, 'the youth vote is split between National and Values with Labour third, we will continue to pull ahead.'

Muldoon continued this patronising performance for a further three quarters of an hour in question time. To a lot of soft questions, questions designed to bring out 'the best' in the party's policies he dished out the expected party line. Classics such as - 'a fair go for the decent bloke,' and 'we only want those who fit in with the New Zealand way of life' were predominant. Grizzles about the unions which brought howls of approval and in return calls for action from Muldoon showed most to be caught up in a blood sport form of hysteria.

Comber was called on to speak following the first act and did much to enhance the circus. This was especially commendable as he only spoke for a few moments. He confined his efforts to praising his boss boss - 'how can we fail with a man like that.'

All in all a bit of a wash out. Muldoon himself looked only semi-interested. He likes a scrap but on Monday night he was speaking only to party faithfuls. This is not surprising when a charge of 50c was advertised.

For the Young Nats, a disappointing turnout. Of the 200 at most, present, only about 30% would have been under thirty five. Muldoon said a similar meeting for Labour would only attract 20 or so young people. National didn't do much better, only a handful of those in the right age group were not already party members. Rob can however, feel proud of those he has got. They showed they've got what it takes to be politicians in his party. Many were moaning about the poor attendance but when I asked for the official verdict the same people told me 'we are very pleased, most encouraging, very impressive.'

That, then was Muldoon. He made his people happy and upset only the students who were trying to watch TV next door. Comments from that direction such as 'Hitler Youth on Campus again,' apprentice fascists' and 'why don't they take their father home,' comforted me in the realization that there are a few sane people left.