18 Feb 2011

Solomons government claims it's regained the numbers to rule

11:13 am on 18 February 2011

There are reports the Solomon Islands government has regained the numbers to rule.

The Solomon Star reports four members from the opposition camp yesterday joined the government.

The four MPs are James Tora, Mark Kemakeza, Martin Sopaghe and Walter Folotalu.

The four were sworn-in at government house by the governor general.

Mr Tora is taking up his old portfolio of police and national security, Mr Kemakeza returns to the Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification portfolio, while Mr Sopaghe is back as Lands and Housing Minister, and Mr Folotalu is the new Minister for provincial government.

The national government described the addition of the four to their group as a "game over" to the political wrangling of the last five weeks.

It tipped that two more MPs will join it to take up the portfolios of Public Service and Fisheries.