Why Study Classics? Part Two

Tom Scott’s relationship with Robert Muldoon was defined by sharp political satire, open antagonism, and a long-running cartoonist–Prime Minister rivalry. Scott often used Muldoon as a central figure in his work, and Muldoon in turn reacted strongly—sometimes personally—to Scott’s critiques.

Scott’s cartoons regularly targeted Muldoon throughout the 1970s and 1980s, portraying him as authoritarian, combative, and out of touch. Muldoon was known for his thin skin toward criticism, and Scott became one of the public figures he most disliked.

Examples include:

A 1983 cartoon depicting Muldoon as a woolly mammoth encased in melting ice, symbolising political stagnation.

Numerous cartoons caricaturing Muldoon’s personality and leadership style.

Scott’s work was so pointed that Muldoon reportedly tried to have him removed from the press gallery—an unusual step that underscored how personally he took the satire.

Their relationship became emblematic of:

Press freedom vs. political power

The role of satire in democracy

Muldoon’s confrontational leadership style

Scott’s rise as a major political commentator

Scott’s cartoons helped shape the public perception of Muldoon, while Muldoon’s reactions reinforced Scott’s reputation as a fearless critic.

Muldoon, Prime Minister from 1975–1984, was one of New Zealand’s most polarising leaders, often clashing with journalists, cartoonists, and political opponents. Their adversarial relationship is now part of New Zealand’s political folklore.

To be continued