From the House -
By Pesi Fonua

A PLEA by the Niua People's Representative, Sione Feingatau 'Iloa for the Prime Minister, Dr Feleti Sevele to remunerate elected members when they leave parliament in September was objected to by the Minister of Justice as an inappropriate use of government money, but other members supported the request.

Sione raised the issue of a possible 'farewell pay-off' for People's and Nobles' Representatives on Tuesday, June 22 because of the uncertainty that some of them may not be re-elected into parliament in the November General Election.

He praised the Prime Minister for his foresight in leading the country, and particularly the reconstruction of Niuatoputapu following the Tsunami in September last year. He pledged his 100% support for his leadership and asked "but give us a blanket to keep us warm" when they leave parliament in September.

The Minister of Tourism, Hon. Fineasi Funaki, told the member that a container load of blankets would arrive in Nuku'alofa the following week, and there should be enough blankets around to keep him warm.

The Speaker, Hon. Noble Tu'ilakepa did not think that the sarcastic remark by the Minister of Tourism was funny. He reminded the House that he was the one who first raised the issue for a possible 'farewell pay-off' for representative members of parliament, and the staff of the House, and he thanked Sione for raising the issue again. He proposed that they pass the Budget Statement, and proceeded with Bills that had been tabled by the Minister of Justice.

The Minister of Justice, Hon. Samiu Vaipulu objected to the request by the Speaker, he said it would be an unwise practice to make such a 'farewell pay-off' after every four years, before a General Election.

The Speaker pleaded with the Minister of Justice not to interfere, because he was talking to the Prime Minister. He pointed out that there was a lot of aid funds available to government and some of the Commissions that have been established benefited from these aid funds so he hinted that since members have been working hard on Political Reform, they should be rewarded.

The Prime Minister called for the House to continue with its debate on the Budget Statement. He said that there was still time to deliberate over the request by the Speaker, and a financial update on the state of the Tongan economy by August would enable them to make a decision on what to do.