Sir Robert Played The Tune For National’s Game Of... (Press, 11 April 1986)

The National Party's recent changes in leadership and structure within Parliament reflect a significant reshuffle akin to a game of musical chairs, with Sir Robert Muldoon playing a crucial role behind the scenes. Since stepping down from the leadership in December 1984, Muldoon has influenced several key developments, including Sue Wood’s resignation as party president, the diminishing role of Barrie Leay, Jim McLay's ousting as leader, and the demotion of notable critics like Ruth Richardson and Ian McLean. The latest reshuffle brings forward several prominent figures from the Muldoon era (1975-1984) including Bill Birch, John Falloon, and Tony Friedlander, while retaining current leadership elements like Jim Bolger, Warren Cooper, and Venn Young. George Gair, though not closely aligned with Muldoon, shares similar economic views and has taken the deputy leader role. This realignment within the party does not signal a concession to Muldoon's opponents but highlights a centralist, pragmatic, and interventionist economic stance that many party members embrace. Meanwhile, Michael Cox remains the only representative of those wishing to stray from Muldoonism, while critics like McLay and Richardson have been relegated to the cross benches. The party's leadership change indicates a strong desire among traditional National supporters to return to past leadership styles and policies, particularly in light of dissatisfaction with the Labour Government's handling of key issues such as the economic plight of farmers, pensioner surtaxes, and contentious social reforms. Intriguingly, this desire for a return to past leadership raises questions about the party's viability: why would supporters back the same leaders whose policies led to a crushing defeat in 1984? This paradox encapsulates National’s current dilemma as it tries to leverage discontent with Labour while distancing itself from a faction that remained loyal during its previous failings. Despite Mr Bolger's rise in public opinion polls, the internal struggles within the National Party are far from resolved, highlighting a future fraught with potential conflict between the old guard and newer ideologies. The tensions among factions may simmer temporarily post-reshuffle, but they are unlikely to dissolve. For a new leadership to emerge that can unify the party and address its internal divisions, a considerable time may pass, potentially prolonging the party's journey back to stability until old rivalries are fully reconciled. Future leadership prospects might involve emerging figures like Don McKinnon, Michael Cox, Winston Peters, Doug Graham, Ruth Richardson, and Paul East, but achieving cooperation over past grievances will pose a substantial challenge. The upcoming 15 months leading up to the next general election in September 1987 will be critical for the National Party as it navigates these complex dynamics.

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