OPINION PIECE

Demo Party split widens

The DEMO conference may be over but the battle has just begun” said a DEMO political observer, following the Democratic Party’s controversial conference held in Rarotonga this week.
Talk of breakaway factions, disillusioned supporters and an angry Sir Terepai Maoate have raised many doubts as to the future credibility of the DEMO’s ability to govern this nation should they be successful after the general election as the rift between the DEMO factions continue.
There are no doubts there were winners and losers following the conference but once again, the people of this country have been subjected to a display of political naivety, arrogance and bulldozer tactics by members of the new young elite executive who are now claiming victory over the diehard factions of Maoate and Co.
This behaviour may prove to be fatal in the long run for them following a meeting between the PM and Maoate yesterday in an attempt to heal the rift between the 2 factions. It is clear however from Maoate’s public threats at the conference and again during his meeting with the PM, he still has the numbers and that simply means the pressure is back to the PM to resolve this issue rather than leave it to the executive.
It is also understood that Maoate has laid his cards on the table and requested for three ministerial portfolios as a “peace offering” to bring the factions together.
Should the PM concede to that request, it is likely the sacrificial lambs will be William Heather Jnr, Apii Piho and Cassey Eggelton, the three new Ministers appointed by the PM as a means to solidify his position in government. One can only imagine the outcry from these newly appointed Ministers who have yet to stamp their mark and prove they are worthy of such ministerial appointments.
It is quite clear says the observer, that the DEMO’s will not be able to heal the rift in time for the elections and in fact, the outcome of this conference may well have sealed their fate. There may be celebrations galore now following the conference but the consequential effect will be at the polls because of this widening gap between the staunch DEMO supporters and the emergence of young, inexperienced leaders who have yet to experience defeat or loss.
We have lost some talented, loyal people such as Makiuti Tongia and Aunty Mau who have never compromised their loyalty to the party or to the leader and that is something that has upset many of our supporters. Yes, it is agreed there is room for change but it must be measured and balanced with wisdom, experience, respect and loyalty something I don’t believe this new lot appreciate or understand.
Reluctantly, our plea now is for the PM to do what is right and call for a snap election. This will hopefully put to rest any further infighting, mud slinging and personal attacks on Members of Parliament and innocent people who have the party’s best interests at heart. Unfortunately the rift is too wide and will be difficult to resolve and any attempt to appease Maoate will only reflect badly on the DEMO party leadership as a whole and that is not what is needed right now. Meanwhile, the problems are still there and getting worse by the day if the PM does not do what is right. Failing that, he should then consider handing in his resignation because he has failed to uphold the principles of leading this country with respect and dignity.

Headlines : Times 290 02 March 2009
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