6 Sep 2019

Growing concern in Niue over premier's absence - opposition MP

5:36 am on 6 September 2019

A Niue opposition MP says there's growing concern on the island over the absence of the premier.

Toke Talagi

Sir Toke Talagi Photo: RNZ/ Indira Stewart

Sir Toke Talagi is reportedly receiving ongoing medical treatment in New Zealand and has rarely been seen in public since early April.

Other than a July event in Auckland, his brother and MP Billy Talagi has been attending events in his absence.

Opposition MP Terry Coe said the public wanted answers.

"It's a problem and we need a leader here and if he's still controlling the cabinet from there, that's another concern because he's not supposed to be doing that. When he's away the acting premier takes over as premier."

Terry Coe said a motion to raise Sir Toke Talagi's absence in Niue's assembly was dismissed by the speaker on Thursday.

A spokesperson for the premier didn't respond to requests for comment.

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