Lifting the game - We need quality leadership

The status of our political system today is such that the principles of our democracy are being undermined because of the selfish ideology of a few “dis-enfranchised” Demo MP’s who maintain they have the mandate to govern this country even though they do not command the support nor the confidence of the majority of their own political party let alone Parliament.
The appointment of a 6th Minister is an insult especially when the PM and Rasmussen have stated publicly that there was no need for a 6th Minister as they were comfortable with the “tight five” and the non appointment would save money for the government.
This sudden turn around is evidence the PM is obviously concerned as to whether or not he can maintain a credible level of support in light of ultimatums being issued to 4 of his Cabinet Ministers who still remain members of the Demo camp.
As we can see, our political system is akin to the skin of a leopard which changes its spots from day to day. The lack of leadership and direction is clearly a sign of an administration out of control and shows cracks are beginning to form in their armoury suggesting the Cabinet is in trouble and are worried about the numbers game.
There’s speculation that the 4 Ministers (the PM and Rasmussen have already been expelled) will not concede to the ultimatum issued by the Demo Executive to return to the Demos potentially placing their political futures on the line. That ultimatum is due Wednesday and will certainly raise interesting debate as to what the Demo Executive will do.
It is understood the meeting held by Ruaau sitting MP William Heather on Monday night was a contentious one however, his supporters are adamant they want him to remain with the PM. This will certainly test their loyalty but overall, the losers will ultimately be the Demo party who are fast losing their supporters because of the growing factions and split amongst its own MP’s.
Critical to all of this has been the Toa Petroleum Affair which strikes at the heart of Sir Terepai Maoate and the Demo loyalists who have remained with him. These are the diehards who have been there from day one and are frustrated at mixed messages being given by the PM to the nation at the expense of party principles.
One loyal Demo supporter stated that he has been with the party since it was formed but today sadly, he believes their problems were created in 2006 when they did not deal with the leadership issue opting instead to allow the status quo to remain whereby Marurai remained PM and Maoate, the Leader of the Demo party. This matter should have been dealt with then to avoid this very situation from festering.
Radio critics in a talkback show recently also expressed their anger at the PM and Rasmussen citing personal agendas and interests over and above the party’s interests. This is an important aspect to consider because the Cook Islands Party are no doubt grappling with the same issues although they appear more co-ordinated and responsive in appeasing their rank and file and are managing any potential fallout admirably.
Over the coming weeks, there will certainly be interest towards the quality of the candidates standing for the various political parties. At present, there is a dire focus on “village politics” and we can expect campaigning to follow at that level. If that is the case, then we should consider disbanding Parliament and run the country at the level it was at some 100 years ago.
Draconian it may seem but for some aspiring candidates, they are not able to look beyond the village level politics and we are likely to see a degeneration of the quality, mana and integrity of Parliament because of this approach.
So what is the solution? Are we willing as a nation to lift our game and take the risk of campaigning for quality candidates or are we going to sit back and allow more of the same village level participation and a continuation of the problems we are experiencing today.
Until we are willing to accept change for the better within our political system, the levels of mismanagement, lack of capability and capacity and potential for corruption will continue to prevail. What we need now is quality leadership and its time to encourage people with the right skills, attitude and commitment to step up and be counted.

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?