Bishop Throws Down the Gauntlet
Disappointed and angry are the only words to describe Teina Bishop MP following his short exchange in Parliament yesterday during question time where he challenged his Caucus colleague Norman George as to whether he had the right to speak on behalf of the Opposition while addressing the Minister of Finance Hon Wilkie Rasmussen during discussions over the Supplementary Bill.
This follows Bishops attack on DEMO Party President Sean Willis in Monday’s CI News whom Bishop advised to stay out of Parliament as it is not a place for politicking. Willis was reported to have gone to the opening session of Parliament on Thursday morning and his comments regarding fears for the Budget and continual splits within the DEMO rank and file prompted Bishop to respond in the manner that he did. Where he sat and his demeanour showed his lack of respect and integrity towards Parliament prompting Bishop’s response.
“I’m also disappointed that CI News did not capture or include my comments regarding Norman George,” said Bishop, “because I want to send a clear message to him that I will no longer tolerate any more nonsense from him and other non performing CIP members of Caucus.”
Bishop added, “The mana of this Party CIP that I love, has been trampled on by imposters and glory seekers and I intend to start my campaign of cleaning up beginning with MP’s. I have previously put Norman George on notice and will do it again to preserve the integrity of the Party irrespective.”
Bishop’s comments may well be viewed with scepticism from within his own Party however he will reassure them that the time for talking is over and the Party needs to act decisively if it intends the win the upcoming elections.
“Whatever decisions I make from this point onwards,” said Bishop, “will not be taken lightly and will possibly not be supported by my colleagues but I have continuously informed the Party of my concerns which appears to be falling on deaf ears.”
“In 2006, I listened to the advice of many even though it was against my better judgement when I became a Minister under a DEMO led government to return back to CIP but this time, I’m guided by my conscience and the will of my people. I have no intentions of spending the next four years in Opposition knowing the suffering my people have endured particularly since the aftermath of Cyclone Pat because of the political games being played and orchestrated by certain individuals in positions of power.”
Bishop is aware of the impending criticism that will be directed at him but he is adamant that if he doesn’t make a stand now against what he considers “corrupt and greedy people” then God help this country. It is expected that Parliament will become the centre of attention this afternoon when “all hell is likely to break loose” during today’s debate on the Supplementary Bill.
“The Acting Prime Minister Hon Wilkie Rasmussen is also expected to produce a legal opinion as to the legality of the tabling of the Supplementary Bill and the proposed retrospective payments to be approved by Parliament. The Opposition has offered a guarantee of supporting the passage of the Supplementary Bill conditional on the legality of such a move and if it is deemed illegal, I will have no hesitation in resisting any support whatsoever and will seek to have the Minister of Finance explain to Parliament his reasons for potentially misleading the nation.”
Bishop concluded by saying that now is the appropriate time to make major changes within the current Parliamentary system and he is predicting an election sooner rather than later.
“Reassurance, leadership and stability is needed right now because of the failure of people like the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister to recognize the plight of the people of this nation in doing the responsible thing and calling for an election,” said Bishop.
Herald Issue 463 10 June
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