12 Sep 2006

Fiji's PM summons minister who called for his sacking

5:42 am on 12 September 2006

Fiji's prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, has summoned his minister for public utilities, Robin Irwin, to his office today over the minister's public call for the sacking of Mr Qarase.

Mr Irwin made the call at the Fiji Tourism Forum saying the prime minister and the finance minister should be sacked for the "lamentable state" of the economy in Vanua Levu.

Mr Qarase has told Fiji TV that he has received a letter of apology from Mr Irwin but cannot let the matter rest there.

Mr Irwin tried to downplay his sacking call by brushing it aside as a joke.

But Mr Qarase says if it was a joke, it was in very poor taste and wants a one-to-one meeting with Mr Irwin.

Mr Qarase says the issue is serious and totally unbecoming of a cabinet minister.