Nats Doubt Coalition’s Nerve (Press, 13 January 1987)

In a public statement made on 13 January 1987, Dr Ross Armstrong, chairman of the National Party's Auckland division, dismissed the Coalition of Concerned Citizens' threats to support an alternative candidate against Deputy-Leader Mr Gair in the North Shore electorate. This response follows Mr Gair's controversial vote in favour of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill last year, which had angered the coalition, described as a moral majority group. Barry Reed, the coalition’s national spokesman, indicated that they would back a yet-to-be-determined candidate who aligned with their moral values. However, Dr Armstrong countered this claim, expressing confidence that the coalition would not have the courage to act on it. He suggested that the coalition's assertions of having infiltrated 10 percent of the National Party should not be taken seriously, as known party activists affiliated with the coalition were quick to deny any connections when questioned. Dr Armstrong further stated that the introduction of a rival candidate would jeopardise any potential alliance between the coalition and the National Party, emphasising the party's rules that prohibit members from associating with organisations that oppose National candidates. Such an emergence would prompt the party's national executive to consider expelling coalition members who are also part of the National Party, although he acknowledged the difficulty of enforcing this since the coalition lacked formal membership structures. Reed challenged the idea of coalition supporters within the party, questioning what harm could come from advocating for moral positions and asserting that Mr Gair's stance was incorrect. He noted that Mr Gair was one of three National MPs who supported the Homosexual Law Reform Bill. Although Reed did not confirm whether the coalition would challenge the other two MPs, he stated that they would focus on one conflict at a time. Two National Party candidates based in Christchurch have received support from the coalition, yet both candidates have denied any formal ties to it. Mr James Bacon, the candidate for Yaldhurst, revealed that he had previously edited a book published by the coalition, which had led to their support for him. He insisted that this was the extent of his engagement with the coalition. Similarly, Mr Warren Smith, the candidate for Avon, stated that he supported any group that advocated for family values or against perceived moral decline but also confirmed he had no formal connections with the coalition.

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