2 Sep 2006

Two opposition MPs reaffirm support for Le Mamea Ropati

9:02 am on 2 September 2006

Two Samoan Opposition MPs have denied supporting the change of leadership within their party.

The names of senior second term MP, Sililoto Tolo, and first time woman MP, Fuimaono Te'i, were announced by the Samoa Democratic United party deputy leader, Asiata Sale'imoa Va'ai, as some of the seven caucus members supporting him as leader.

Fuimaono, who is currently in Auckland, New Zealand on a personal trip, says the issue of leadership change was raised to her by Asiata recently.

She says she never thought the move would take place at this time, just five months after the election.

MP Sililoto says he was forced to sign a written agreement by the party secretary and first time MP, Tuia Paepae Letoa and several other caucus members.

The MP says he's still supporting Le Mamea Ropati, as leader.

Despite friction within the SDUP party over the leadership issue, leader Le Mamea Ropati said he is seeking ways to iron out their differences.