Hide quizzed on 'muck-raking'

Rodney Hide

Rodney Hide will be forced to defend his reputation for "muck-raking" at the Act Party conference this weekend.

The Herald understands there is growing discontent within the party over its leader's pursuit of headline-grabbing political scandals, which some members believe are shrouding the party's policies.

Tonight, at the beginning of the party's annual three-day conference, Act's new president and board will be announced - a selection that has particular relevance.

Act's constitution says that as the party now has only two MPs (Mr Hide and Heather Roy), the board has the power to appoint the leader.

Tomorrow night, Act co-founder Sir Roger Douglas - who has criticised Mr Hide's tactics in the past - will be the guest speaker.

An Act insider told the Herald that Mr Hide still has a solid core of supporters and is admired for winning the Epsom seat from National, but there is growing disquiet among members over the muck-raking.

Mr Hide said he was aware of criticism from party members and would be addressing the issue in his conference speech. He said he felt Act had two jobs - to hold the Government accountable and to present an alternative plan for New Zealanders.

"I've always said it was hard to get the balance right.

"I don't think it [muck-raking] wins votes, because ultimately what wins votes is a positive message.

"But I'm proud of our Westminster democracy and I believe on behalf of taxpayers I'm paid to hold the Government to account."

One Act member said he believed this was important, but Act was too small a party to get away with it.

"It's fatal for Act. People know it has to be done, but it is a little bit like rubbish collecting. People know rubbish has to be collected, but they don't actually want to spend time with the rubbish collector."

The criticism of Mr Hide is not new - his reputation for uncovering scandal was a concern for many party members when he became leader and has been an ongoing irritation for Sir Roger's loyalists.

It was also an image Mr Hide initially tried to shake off when he became leader, but he has returned to his old ways with renewed vigour.

Prime Minister Helen Clark accused him of being involved in digging dirt on David Parker, who resigned his ministerial portfolios this week after it was revealed he had filed false Companies Office annual returns.

And this week Mr Hide also raised questions about the fullness of the details Helen Clark provided when she was questioned about a Ponsonby Rd car accident involving her motorcade.

The make-up of Act's board will be vital to the party's future direction, as will the next president.

Two candidates are standing - Hamilton businessman Garry Mallett and Hawkes Bay farmer John Ormond. Mr Mallett is considered to be a strong organiser and has the support of the Douglas camp, while Mr Ormond is well known in the party and believed to be a favourite of Mr Hide.