Somare adament he's still PM

Papua New Guinea's former Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare has accused Prime Minister Peter O'Neill of disrespecting the constitution and intimidating the governor-general. Mr O'Neill has retained the leadership gaining the support of the governor-general and the majority of MPs in parliament. His position has been further strengthened by the passing of the budget.

But Sir Michael insists he's still the rightful leader of PNG, in charge of a minority government. "I know very well, that there was no, either by speaker or by anyone to remove the member of parliament," he said. "I was discharged by parliament as a non-existing member. But court, in its wisdom, and following our constitution, reinstate me as the head of government and the government as I led".

The Catholic Archbishop of Papua New Guinea is calling on the former prime minister to resign from politics and ensure there is no repeat of last week's political tension. Archbishop John Ribat says while the Catholic Church recognises that the Supreme Court ruled Sir Michael Somare be reinstated, it wants him to end the fight to get back into office. "In all respect to him, we want him to resign," Archbishop Ribat said. Sir Michael remains insistent that he is the country's rightful prime minister in charge of a minority government. During a press conference this week, he accused Mr O' Neil of intimidating the governor-general, and disrespecting the constitution.

"The minority government does not want to see the country being led by members of parliament, that sheer numbers hijack the process in parliament house and trample over our constitution," Sir Michael said. "The simple notion that the majority rule justifies behaviour is detrimental in its simplicity." On Tuesday, Mr O'Neill claimed victory in ending the political stand-off with the former prime minister. He said while the Supreme Court ruled Sir Michael should be reinstated as the country's leader, parliament sees it differently. "Parliament is not answerable to the Supreme Court. That must be clearly understood." Constitution breached

But a constitutional law expert says Mr O'Neill has breached the constitution despite winning the support of the governor-general and a majority of MPs to end a week-long political crisis. Dr Tony Regan, from the Australian National University, says Sir Michael does have a case under PNG's constitution. Yet even if Sir Michael wins, it is unlikely to get him back into office.
"Those in power tend to attract support in PNG politics," Dr Regan said. Game change Earlier, Mr O'Neill said he intends to introduce legislative changes forcing PMs to retire at 72. However, 75-year-old Sir Michael, says he is determined to be returned as prime minister and will be taking his case back to court. Mr O'Neill has told Pacific Beat's Bruce Hill that will not be possible when the legislative changes are in place.

ABC REPORTS

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