More Doom and Gloom on the Political Horizon

The removal of Sir Terepai Maoate as Deputy Prime Minister has ruffled a few feathers and it is likely to be the beginning of the end for the Democratic Party government.
It is unbelievable in this day and age that a country as small as the Cook Islands has acquired the reputation of having a Prime Minister who has now sacked a number of Ministers under his stewardship including Sir Geoffrey Henry, Dr Robert Woonton, Peri Vaevae Pare, Tom Marsters, Tupou Faireka, Wilkie Rasmussen and now Sir Terepai Maoate.
In the case of the DPM, it was expected and was merely only a matter of when. His autocratic style of leadership was symptomatic of a government out of control. The “Toagate Affair” is merely the tip of the iceberg and now that he has been removed, an investigation should be undertaken to look at all of his portfolio responsibilities that both he and his associate Minister (his son) have been involved with.
The Financial Secretary should be relieved of his position pending the investigation outcome (similar to John Tini) and ironically, the PSC Commissioner should also be “stood aside” because of his indirect involvement and potential conflicts of interests in activities that he too should have been responsible for.
What is amazing also is that he has stood by while all of this was going on and now that the Toagate debacle has been exposed, he decides to respond and call for an investigation. There is no question that he has been involved in an “advisory capacity” to the wheelings and dealings of this administration and he should be sacked accordingly.
One thing is for sure, the Democratic Party’s so called campaign manager (toa moa) will be screaming for more heads to roll and demanding this person or that person be sacked for self gratification to rid the Democratic led administration of the evils of society as they see it. Never mind that they have appointed their own people (lacking in both experience and capability) which is the very reason why our country is now in the mess we are in. (with more to come)
Where does that leave the people of this nation? Are we to surmise an early election is on the horizon or is this action by the PM, a camouflage to deflect potential voters to the real ills of this government. The continuous poor decision making at the top levels in the halls of power is extraordinary to say the least.
It will be interesting to see now whether the Executive can come up with a strategy to counter all the negativity and growing public discontent. Whichever way you look at it, there is more doom and gloom on the horizon when you look at the poor performance of some of our Ministries (contrary to the PSC comments)
No doubt the former DPM will be winging his way back to Rarotonga from NZ as it is unlikely he will take the decision of his removal lightly. This will be an interesting scenario as it is likely to see the emergence of others from the woodwork to raise their hands before the PM in the hope of securing political favouritism. It will be interesting to see where the likes of MP’s such as George, Glassie and Marsters stand.

Herald Issue 463 10 June
- World famous activist assisting residents
- Budget will decide if residents prosecute Government over landfill
- Forestry project sucking Mangaia dry
- Budget 2010 – fiasco or disaster?