14 Apr 2011

Time runs out for Solomons no confidence motion

9:22 am on 14 April 2011

The Solomon Islands opposition has been unable to move its motion of no confidence following a ruling from the speaker.

The motion was filed by the opposition's new leader, Derek Sikua two weeks ago but parliament had been debating the budget up until this week.

The Prime Minister's Press Secretary, David Tuhanuku, says the government signalled its intention last week that the parliamentary session would close on Wednesday following the passing of the budget.

Mr Tuhanuku says he does not know why Dr Sikua did not seek to move the motion last Friday.

But he says the opposition leader's request to have the matter heard this week was declined

"He actually raised the issue about extending the meeting time of parliament but the speaker made it very clear that he had thought about the issue and he decided that the meeting would end in accordance with the statement of government business."

David Tuhanuku.

An opposition spokesperson Deli Oso has accused the government of blocking the no-confidence motion and says the opposition is very disappointed.