Fallout at conference predicted

Informed sources have advised the Times of a pending fallout within the ranks of the Demo hierarchy involving the MP for Penrhyn Wilkie Rasmussen. It is believed a legal opinion has confirmed that the Demo Executive have acted outside their jurisdiction with the expulsion of Rasmussen from the party and the possibility of banning him and his delegates from attending its conference next week.
This pending fallout is likely to shake the leadership issue and already, supporters of the expelled MP have openly declared “war” on the Executive with a pending leadership challenge and vote of no confidence possibly being tabled during the conference. It is understood Rasmussen has the full support of his constituency.
Although the Demo spin doctors are attempting to minimize any fallout and damage control, it is believed the PM Jim Marurai has himself been unhappy with the overall performance of his caucus members pointing the finger directly at 2 of his senior Ministers, Maoate and Vavia. It will come as no surprise should the PM decide a sacking is inevitable but this will only occur following cautious consideration as he is aware, he does not command the full confidence of his members due to the Rasmussen dismissal and continuous controversy surrounding poor performance and decisions by his 2 senior cabinet colleagues.
Party officials are mindful of the need to restore confidence in its members following a background of disasters in terms of government policy blunders that has placed this country in crisis mode with a huge debt to be inherited by our future generation. This does not auger well especially as the country will be gearing up for a general election in 2010 and the Demo machinery will no doubt be moving into top gear to ensure they will have the winning edge at the upcoming elections.
The flip flop indecision regarding changes to its conference date has fuelled further speculation it was the PM who insisted on deferring the conference until his return rather than the excuse given by spin doctors that it was to allow time for its outer islands delegates to arrive in Rarotonga.
No doubt the public will be watching with great interest as the Demos go to conference and whether or not, sparks will fly politically as the expelled MP Wilkie Rasmussen makes a final ditch effort to overthrow the PM. The Question remains, will the Opposition support him this time?

Headlines : Times 290 02 March 2009
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