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HERALD WEEKLY ISSUE 428 : 08 October 2008

Impartiality of Queen’s Representative Questioned

Word that the Queen’s representative attended a crisis meeting of the DEMO hierarchy following Cabinet last week has raised some serious questions as to his political impartiality particularly where it involves sensitive issues relating to potential political changes or Ministers relieved of portfolio responsibilities as was the case discussed at that meeting.
This recalls his involvement in the dissolution of Parliament in July 2006 when he came under heavy criticism from the Opposition Cook Islands Party who firmly believed his intervention was both unconstitutional and illegal. His decision to dissolve Parliament on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and legal advisers resulted in the country going back to the polls for a general election to avoid the Opposition taking power from the DEMO led Government.
Unfortunately, that decision has never been tested in a court of law therefore the element of doubt as to the QR’s decision remains under a cloud of suspicion. That being said, if it is true that he did attend that meeting in his capacity as a “DEMO supporter” he may well have compromised the integrity of his office and that any advice tendered during his presence, may well have an impact on his ability to make a frank and impartial decision in his capacity as QR involving Ministerial changes and this should be questioned.
Inside DEMO party sources claim that Ministerial portfolio reshuffling is inevitable following that meeting due to growing discontent within the Executives and Caucus over poor performance especially from the PM and the DPM involving leadership issues and the management of our economy. Although many of the internal criticisms are directed at the DPM, the PM did not come out of the meeting squeaky clean and he was advised to step up his performance otherwise step aside.
On further analysis, any portfolio changes will require either an Order in Executive Council to be made involving the QR or direct representation to him confirming the withdrawal and Appointments of Ministerial warrants. If indeed he did attend that meeting, was privy to the issues discussed and then assents to any impending recommendation to which he was previously privy to, this in the writer’s opinion, is highly unethical and presents a potential “conflict of interest” on the part of the QR.
It is clear there are signs of unhappiness and disharmony within the DEMO camp however as stated previously, one questions the lengths the DEMO hierarchy will go to in order to remain in power. There is no question there is a leadership problem within government. There is no question morale within the public sector and internal political party machinery is at its lowest and especially at a time when good leadership is required in light of the current global economic downturn. There is no question the DPM has lost control as can be seen by the performance levels within his own areas of portfolio responsibilities.
For the DPM to engage a senior official from MFEM to “put his case on the state of the nations books” to the DEMO crisis meeting while he was overseas clearly shows he is desperate, very unpopular and likely to be relieved of his portfolios. Perhaps that is the reason the QR was involved in the meeting. Perhaps that’s why everything is so quiet following that crisis meeting however that does not excuse the highest office holder of this country, compromising the standards and integrity of his office because of his personal affiliation to the DEMO camp. After all, he was previously the DEMO Party President and his elevation to the prestigious position of QR was regarded as a “political pay-off” rather than on merit.
The level of cronyism within government has already reached epidemic proportion following several audit investigations. This has resulted in poor performance from some HOM’s, lack of morale within the workforce and a feeling of dejection as to the loss of direction by those in authority. Clearly, all the good work in terms of the economic reforms undertaken since 1996 appears to have gone out the window since the DEMO government took control in 1999.
We only need to look at those senior officials in key government departments who are nothing but window dressers incapable of doing the hard yard and making good decisions. The PM’s office is a classic example due to the fact senior management have no management experience whatsoever, work experience or the depth to undertake the strategic approaches in areas like policy and planning. The Chief of staff should stop playing God. That position already belongs to the FinSec. The Director Policy and planning should get a few more years of work experience. These are merely some examples of what is happening under our very noses however, the actions of the QR if true, paint a very different picture and places the whole principle of governance under a cloud of suspicion once again because of his participation in a political activity that potentially compromises his integrity.
Ironically, his term is coming to an end and perhaps, this may be the solution to a difficult problem involving the DPM. Perhaps the DEMOS are looking for an “easy way out” and the QR position may just be the answer. Irrespective, there is another burning question that should be asked and that is, is there a new Prime Minister waiting in the wings.” For now, the QR would be best advised to remain politically neutral under the circumstances.

Herald Issue 429 15 October
- Report hints of worse to come
- Impartiality of Queen’s Representative Questioned
- Climate change - No longer just a theory
- Crimminal case of the century begins
-The case for the prosecution
- Workshop shows depth of creativity