Opposition Still in Sleep Mode!

Criticisms continue to grow at the dormant state of affairs within the hierarchy of the Cook Islands Party and Opposition. Amidst media speculation and calls for the Leader of the Opposition to step down, there has been absolute silence in the wake of these criticisms suggesting the Opposition has buried itself in the sand oblivious to what is happening around them.
Apart from a weekly contribution in the CI Herald, the Leader Tom Marsters has made very little effort to advance issues of importance to this nation or to challenge government on current issues as any responsible Opposition should. What will it take to wake the Opposition up in light of growing concerns over government’s proposed stimulus package, the proposed draft Seabed Mining Bill, controversy over the purchase of a fuel farm, increased departure tax fees and possibly further outward migration and unemployment.
There are many other issues on the table but the lack of response by Marsters and his caucus has exposed weaknesses and deficiencies within the CIP caucus rank and file which will not do the party any good in preparation for a general election next year.
It has been almost two and a half years since Marsters took over the helm of the Opposition but in terms of leadership, he has achieved very little. His style of leadership has resulted in many supporters questioning their own allegiance to the party or whether the party still exists.
The “sinking ship syndrome” has reflected the status of the Opposition allowing government to manipulate strategic activities knowing full well the Opposition is weak, misguided and lacking in leadership. Credit unfortunately goes to the lone ranger Norman George whose vain attempts to stand his ground over the proposed fuel farm purchase fell on deaf ears from his colleagues during the last session of Parliament. Like a lone voice crying in the wilderness, Norman at least had the guts to challenge government demonstrating that he was prepared to stand up to the bullying tactics of the DPM and his colleagues.
The Executive must take the bull by the horns and seize control of this situation. The risk of losing its supporters is extremely high in addition to losing their own credibility and status. Already, some constituencies are taking matters into their own hands and started preparations for campaign mode without any assistance from the party. This sets a bad precedence and only heightens tension and confusion between the factions concerned.
Every opportunity has been given to Marsters and his caucus colleagues to challenge government on crucial issues however each time, the momentum has deflated because of Marsters “softly softly” style and the desire to portray the gentlemanly approach. This style is no longer desirable and Marsters and his colleagues need to understand this before it’s too late.
We are now entering a new era of politics where strategic thinking, strategic planning and analysis is required. People’s attitudes have changed and therefore, our whole approach to our political system and those intending to be a part of that process will also need to appreciate those changes. For instance, there is a higher demand for MP’s to perform, to be better educated and to be familiar with political policy and financial processes. Without those qualities, the stigma of being referred to as a “banana republic” will continue to apply.
No doubt for the time being, the politics of persuasion and self servience belongs to Marsters, George, Glassie and Nicholas but the politics of principle and loyalty belongs to Bishop, Heather and Pukeiti. Perhaps now may be the time to confront loyalties in the interests of the party rather than just the interests of the caucus.
Questions surrounding “does the CIP still exist; is the caucus still a part of CIP; the party is dead quiet; who is the leader; is the party still registered, where is the leadership” etc raises some pertinent concerns for the party faithful who, if the sleep mode of Marsters and his caucus members continues, will find the likelihood of a call to “abandon ship” and the realities of an emergence of a new party coming to the fore.
It’s time to heed the call. Wake up CIP, wake up before it’s too late!

Herald Issue 446 11 February
- ‘I wanted to finish 3 years ago’ - Sam Pera Jnr?
- Government hangs Ruaau out to dry
- Flies reach epidemic level in Arorangi
- Economic Summits – Talking the Talk or Walking the Talk
- Parliament: Deregistration, Fuel farm and OIA amendment

Herald Issue 445 04 February
- Ball now in Fiji’s court
- Calls for Alternate Dispute Resolution
- Calls for Alternate Dispute Resolution
- $1.8m water project on track
- Undervaluing our own Consultants!