18 Feb 2011

Solomons government bolsters numbers

2:32 pm on 18 February 2011

The embattled Solomon Islands government says it now has the numbers to ensure its budget is passed next month.

This comes after four MPs from the opposition camp including former ministers, James Tora, Mark Kemakeza and Martin Sopaghe, were sworn in as government ministers yesterday.

The fourth was Walter Folatalu who told local media he was concerned at the instability caused by the political crisis.

There are reports that up to another three MPs are also due to return to the government benches.

Our correspondent, Dorothy Wickham, says the political situation remains volatile but the government is now much more confident it will remain intact.

"I think they are comfortable with their numbers now and it's a guarantee they will get the budget through with what they have."

That is our correspondent in Honiara, Dorothy Wickham.