22 Jan 2008

Cooks PM concerned over bickering among cabinet ministers

2:05 pm on 22 January 2008

The Cook Islands Prime Minister says the infighting between his Cabinet Ministers is a huge concern, but he is confident he will be able to sort it out the problem.

Jim Marurai has put some of the blame on his deputy, Sir Terepai Maoate, who he says is interfering with some of the ministers' portfolios.

He says in the latest move Sir Terepai has called for the Public Expenditure Review Committee and Audit to investigate a minister, Ngamau Munukoa.

Mr Marurai says this comes after Mrs Munukoa gave a catering tender for last November's Vaka show to her daughter when it should have been put up for tender.

"She knows her daughter, and she knows that she can provide the catering, and according to her she wants the easy way out."

The PM also confirmed that PERCA has begun investigations.