Unfinished business waits, says Wigmore
By Charles Pitt, Political Editor

Newly-elected Titikaveka MP Robert Wigmore says he does not have to be in Cabinet to get things done for Titikaveka. The Democratic Party member told the Cook Islands Times that he will be just as effective outside of Cabinet, as an ordinary MP.
The final count which was confirmed Friday afternoon put Wigmore’s final total in Wednesday’s by-election at 333 (up 48 from 285 in the preliminary count on Wednesday). The Cook Islands Party’s Tiki Matapo got 292 (up 32 from 260) and Independent Vaine Wichman 30 (up 3 from 27).
When the Times visited Wigmore he was hard at work at the back of his store, sorting vegetables. Although the 88 or so special votes were still to be counted at that stage, he was quietly confident he would hold on to his lead. It had been the same situation back in September 2006 when there were something like 98 special votes.
FOCUSED
Sitting on his spacious veranda, looking completely relaxed, Wigmore’s a man focused on a mission to complete some unfinished business in Titikaveka. The outward calmness belies the energy stored up inside him waiting to be unleashed when Parliament resumes later this month.
He has spoken often enough about the serious attention which must be paid to Titikaveka’s roads and the Kent Hall and its sports ground. He conceded that it would not be possible to fix all the roads within a short period. The task would take time.
Wigmore also signaled that he was considering having an electorate office set up, possibly at or by Kent Hall.
His pet subject of agriculture will be visited due to the growing global importance of organics. There was also the concern of diminishing agricultural space on Rarotonga and the need to lift production in the outer islands to compensate and also meet demand from the tourism sector.
Titikaveka’s youth, especially those unemployed, are a concern, much so if depopulation continues and the labour market continues to recruit from overseas. How to get the young people to develop a greater work ethic and work habits will be a challenge for the country.
Asked if there was a possibility he could be appointed the seventh Minister to Cabinet, he replied that would be up to the Prime Minister. However, he was not expecting that to happen and expressed the view he would do just as good a job from outside Cabinet.
Always a hard worker, Wigmore was back into it following the interview. The Times congratulates him. His return to the House will be welcomed by many.
* The governing Democratic Party now has 15 seats in Parliament, the Cook Islands Party eight, and there is one Independent supporting the Cook Islands Party.

Headlines : Times 187 12 Feb 2007
- AUNTY MAU HITS BACK
- Good chance to seek arts funding
- Police shift goal posts in crash case George
- Case unheard after 3 years, thrown out
- Police get final warning on 7-month-old case
- Many happy returns, Papa Ralph
- FAO consultant to meet Minister
- New Year, new body challenge
- Telecom connects with community
- Unfinished business waits, says Wigmore

Headlines : Times 186 05 February 2007
- 7 QUESTIONS FOR PSC BOSS
- WATER FROM WHERE?
- Day and night care for young
- You Say: OUR TAHITI LINK
- SKEWS HOPE : Two Tahiti flights could mean more Europeans
- Airport upgrade part of big spend on island
- Back in Raro
- Financial watch unit upgrades data system
- America, here comes Cooks