There is continued acrimony within New Caledonia's anti-independence camp as the territory has entered a fourth month without a president.
Philippe Gomes Photo: AFP
Philippe Gomes of the Caledonia Together Party has dismissed suggestions by a rival anti-independence politician and president of the territorial Congress, Gael Yanno, that he is seeking support among the pro-independence leaders.
The three anti-independence parties which jointly have a majority in the collegial government cannot agree on who should lead the government, which means the pro-independence side has it within its power to choose a president.
Despite indications last month that it would choose among the rival bidders, the pro-independence side is yet to make a decision.
Mr Gomes says the alliance between the anti-independence RUMP and the pro-independence Caledonian Union at the beginning of the decade cost it dearly.
He says if the pro-independence side does decide to vote for an anti-independence politician to be the president, it will not be the result of any deal or counter-offer.
