Insight 1974. Muldoon by Muldoon and others.

Rights Information
Year
1974
Reference
24334
Media type
Audio
Ask about this item

Ask to use material, get more information or tell us about an item

Rights Information
Year
1974
Reference
24334
Media type
Audio
Categories
Documentary radio programs
Nonfiction radio programs
Radio programs
Sound recordings
Duration
00:31:37
Credits
RNZ Collection
Woodward, Gillian, 1943-, Producer
Muldoon, R. D. (Robert David), 1921-1992, Interviewee
Muldoon, Thea, Interviewee
Roberts, John (b.1927, d.1999), Interviewee
Tizard, Bob, 1924-2016, Interviewee
Gordon, Peter, 1921-1991, Interviewee

A profile of polarising M.P. and Leader of the Opposition, Robert Muldoon. Produced by Gillian Woodward.

He speaks first about his parents and ancestry. His father was a permanent invalid as a result of his injuries received during World War I. He says his mother and grandmother had a great influence on him. His grandmother was formidable and had 'thrown out' her husband and was very politically active.

He talks about his own war experience which brought him into contact with New Zealanders from all walks of life for the first time. He met his wife at a junior National Party meeting. They have three children.
Thea Muldoon speaks about their children who as yet don't have a great interest in politics. She says sometimes the man she reads about in the news seems like a different person to her husband "Bob", who she describes as a quiet personality.

He entered Parliament in 1960, unseating Bob Tizard from the Tamaki seat. Tizard comments, calling him a 'hit and run' campaigner and describing Muldoon canvassing Catholic voters. He predicts 'aggression for the sake of aggression' in future politics.

John Roberts, political scientist, offers his opinion of Mr Muldoon as a career politician and a force revitalising the National Party, although he will not be popular with the more 'gentlemanly' rural wing of the party.

As a young M.P. Muldoon, Duncan MacIntyre and Peter Gordon were known as the "Young Turks" of the Holyoake government. Peter Gordon comments on Muldoon during this era, describing his personality and ability to talk to anyone, from any walk of life.

Mr Muldoon talks about his interests outside of politics: reading, racing, opera, art and gardening - especially raising lilies and encouraging monarch butterflies.

He ends by saying he feels New Zealand needs leadership.