12 May 2005

Niue premier Vivian chairs Cabinet meeting after being re-elected

1:48 pm on 12 May 2005

Niue's premier, Young Vivian, has been chairing a Cabinet meeting after being re-elected to lead the government.

An official in the premier's office isn't yet able to reveal the identities of the Cabinet members.

Niue News reports Mr Vivian earlier defeated the independent candidate, O'Love Jacobsen, in a parliamentary ballot by 17 votes to three.

Atapana Siakimotu was re-appointed parliamentary Speaker for the next three years.

Mr Vivian's re-appointment comes after the island's 800 registered voters went to the polls ten days ago.

Thousands of Niueans living in New Zealand were unable to participate in the ballot.

Mr Vivian has overseen the start of work to build a 4.7 million US dollar hospital.

Wellington has funded the facility to replace the hospital which was destroyed by Cyclone Heta last year.