Rebel Plot ‘a Sick Joke’ (Press, 4 October 1976)

On 4 October 1976, a report alleging a conspiracy among rebel members of the National Party to displace Prime Minister Robert Muldoon and elevate North Shore MP and Minister of Housing, Mr George Gair, was publicly dismissed by Gair as a mere "sick joke." This report had emerged from a weekend newspaper, igniting much speculation within political circles. Gair firmly refuted the claims, labelling them as "speculative nonsense" devoid of any supporting evidence. He expressed dismay at being named in what he considered a baseless story and issued a strong denial of any involvement in such a plot, stating, “I have played no part in such a plot; I know of no such plot and I do not believe such a plot exists outside the imagination of the weekend newspaper reporter.” The report also mentioned Marilyn Waring, the MP for Raglan, as being involved in the supposed conspiracy, further fueling the controversy. When questioned about his aspirations for the Prime Ministership, Gair remained non-committal, indicating he would allow the future to unfold naturally. However, he reaffirmed his loyalty to Muldoon and the National Party, stating, “I have been, I am, and I will continue to be loyal to Mr Muldoon and the National Party.” Gair's responses reflect a desire to maintain party unity despite the unsubstantiated claims circulating in the media.

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