A Cook Islands opposition MP George Maggie says the lying that goes on in political circles there is like a disease.
The Cook Islands Parliament in session Photo: Phillipa Webb / Cook Islands News
The MP was taking a swipe at the Prime Minister Henry Puna for not keeping his promises, such as his undertaking to have parliament sitting 100 days a year.
Mr Maggie said in 2011 Mr Puna said he expected parliament to sit not less than 100 days, but it sat for just 20 and met on 111 days in total over the past five years.
He said it was shameful that Parliament had sat on just ten half days so far this year.
Parliament is to meet again from next Monday and the Finance Minister Mark Brown says the ruling Cook Islands Party is trying to ensure all members are there so there is a quorum.
The Cook Islands Party has just 12 seats in the 24 seat House, with a by-election due next month on Aitutaki for the seat formerly held by Teina Bishop, who had been the leader of the opposition before he was convicted on corruption charges last month.
A win for Bishop's party will ensure a hung parliament.
