2 Dec 2004

Former French Polynesian minister leaves Tahoeraa

10:19 am on 2 December 2004

A former minister in French Polynesia's government of Gaston Flosse has resigned from the ruling Tahoeraa Huiraatira Party.

Public radio in Tahiti reports that Reynald Temarii, who was elected on the Tahoeraa ticket this year, has left because of disagreements over party policies.

Mr Temarii was appointed to be the head of the board of the public broadcaster, Tahiti Nui TV, a month ago but lost the job two weeks later.

Mr Temarii is also the president of the regional soccer body, the Oceania Football Confederation.

During the political crisis which erupted in early October, Mr Temarii is also reported to have held meetings with the ousted President, Oscar Temaru.