5 May 2008

New party of independent politicians in Samoa divided over name

10:56 am on 5 May 2008

Samoa's newly formed political party of thirteen independent MPs is divided on what name they should use before Parliament will resume tomorrow .

This came after the Samoa Democratic United party leader, Asiata Sale'imoa Va'ai, has told reporters that all party members have agreed to continue using the SDUP name.

However a caucus meeting last Thursday decided to deliver a letter to inform Asiata that he has been sacked as a result.

But the SDUP leader says he is still a member after a delegation of three independent MPs apologies to him for the misunderstanding.

The new party is expected to meet this week to iron out their differences and to discuss other matters such as electing a leader.

Meanwhile the former SDUP leader, Le Mamea Ropati, has rejected an invitation to join the new party.

He says it's more appropriate to remain as an independent to allow him to oppose or to support the government on issues which benefits the public especially his constituency