Robert Muldoon

The Right Honourable Sir Robert David ("Rob") Muldoon KCMG CH (25 September 1921–5 August 1992) served as Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1975 to 1984.

Leader of the Opposition

Marshall fought the 1972 election on a slogan of "Man For Man, The Strongest Team" — an allusion to Marshall's own low-key style, particularly compared to his deputy. The party was badly defeated, ending 12 years in power. In the aftermath, Marshall resigned, and Muldoon took over. Many members of the party caucus believed Marshall was not up to the task of taking on the formidable Labour Prime Minister, Norman Kirk. Muldoon, on the other hand, relished the opportunity — but had it for only a short time, until Kirk's sudden death in August 1974. In the 1975 election, Muldoon overwhelmed Kirk's lacklustre successor, Bill Rowling, reversing the 32–55 Labour majority into a 55–32 National majority. His platform offered "New Zealand The Way You Want It", promising a generous national superannuation scheme to replace the old 19th-century pension structure.

Related Topics:
1972 election - Labour - Norman Kirk - 1975 election - Bill Rowling - National superannuation

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