Political uncertainty bad look in Cooks anniversary year

Transcript

Claims that the Cook Islands opposition is trying to take over leadership of the country couldn't come at a worse time as the nation prepares for its biggest celebration in history.

The Government has denied there's any threat but others say it's feeling vulnerable.

Bridget Tunnicliffe reports:

It's been reported that members of the opposition coalition recently approached members of the Government to jump ship.

The Cook Islands is poised to stage its 50th anniversary of self-governance and chairman of the celebration committee Nick Henry says the reports are concerning.

Mr Henry says it's not a good look.

MATT HENRY: "It's not really the kind of image that the Cook Islands wants to portray at any time but in particular as we roll in to what should be one of our maturing years, turning 50, as far as the country is concerned and you know it seems that some of our politicians continue to hold the country to ransom you know via their egos."

Former MP Norman George says a slim majority has rendered the Government ineffective because it's too scared of potential threats from the opposition.

Mr George says the only solution is for the country to go the polls amid reports of an attempt to oust the prime minister Henry Puna.

He says while the Government might be rubbishing the claims, there are signs it's feeling brittle.

NORMAN GEORGE: "The continual postponement and adjournment of parliament, there's a lot of legislation sitting there to be passed. The Government of the day is too scared to hold longer parliamentary sessions. They had to pass the budget quickly, they guillotined it, meaning cut it short, and they couldn't wait to get out of the house."

But the prime minister's office says the Government is not feeling nervous and rejects the idea that it's ham-strung.

CEO Edwin Pittman says a one seat majority is not unheard of in the Cook Islands and previous governments have also sped up the Budget process.

He says criticism is coming from opposition groups but believes the general public just want the Government to be allowed to get on with its job.

Norman George says the anti-party hopping provision introduced in 2009 is a waste of time but says the Electoral Act could be strengthened to make MPs more accountable.

NORMAN GEORGE: "I think we just have to learn to live with party hopping and when you select candidates make sure they are reliable. I don't think we should legislate, I mean it could well be we could tighten up the Electoral Act by giving the electorate the right to recall. We did have it in our Electoral Act and some idiot removed it about five years ago."

Norman George says under the right to recall, if an MP goes against the will of his electorate, his constituents could call a meeting, vote against him and have him surrender his seat.

Nick Henry says people are fed up with political wrangling.

NICK HENRY: "I think people are up to the gills with it to be honest, they really just want to see the politicians do the job that they're in there to do, to spend considerably more time in parliament to make the laws that our country needs and to spend less time pursuing what appears to be self-interest."

Nick Henry says they are expecting over 600 Cook Islanders from New Zealand and Australia to return for the 50th anniversary celebrations, which kicks-off on July 23.