Maoate faction still demanding Cabinet posts

The Sir Terepai Maoate faction of the Democratic Party which comprises 9 MPs is still demanding three Cabinet positions as grounds for settling the differences between the two factions of the Party.
In the negotiations, the Prime Minister’s faction of 6 MPs is lead by Deputy Prime Minister Hon Robert Wigmore who is also Leader of the Party.
The Prime Minister is understood to be unhappy with the demands for Cabinet positions because it would mean demoting three Ministers he appointed. There are other positions such as Leader of the House and 3 Associate Minister Positions which are available.
Wigmore is understood to favour a conciliatory approach to achieving unity.
The Times has learnt that recently the Maoate faction had requested attendance at Cabinet meetings and that the PM had conveyed the message that the Maoate faction could meet with Cabinet after the Cabinet meeting proper.
The Times understands the PM was unhappy when Sir Terepai Maoate, Ngamau Munokoa and John Tangi arrived and sat in on a Cabinet meeting. The PM left the room before the meeting ended.

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