We still intact: PM

FOUR ministers who had reportedly joined the Opposition camp as of Monday night had pledged their allegiance to stick with prime minister Danny Philip.

Minister for youth, women and sports Joseph Onika, foreign affairs minister Peter Shanel and minister for conservation Moffat Fugui were present alongside with other high profile ministers including the deputy prime minister Manasseh Maelanga during a press conference held by the Prime Minister at his office yesterday.

Although, the minister of mines and energy Mark Kemakeza was not present at the conference, the prime minister said Mr Kemakeza had withdrawn his resignation to remain with the government over the weekend.

Mr Onika, Mr Shanel, Mr Fugui and Mr Kemakeza were claimed by Opposition insiders that they had joined the opposition but as of last night the members have remained with the government.

The prime minister said government backbencher Alfred Ghiro was the only member that was still sitting on the fence.

Prime minister Danny Philip was a confident man yesterday stating that the government was stable and intact.

The opposition have claimed that they have 26 members compared to the governments 23 but the Prime minister said he still has 24 members on his side.

"I am confident to maintain the 24," he said.

A total of 10 MP’s attended the conference yesterday with 14 MP’s absent including finance minister Gordon Darcy Lilo.

Last week former Forestry Minister Douglas Ete told the Solomon Star that eight more ministers would be joining them Tuesday this week (today) the latest.

Attempts to talk to Mr Ete yesterday were unsuccessful.

Source: Solomon star