BY NED GAGAHE
Outgoing Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has defended his leadership style, rejecting accusations that he is weak and indecisive and insisting that consultation has always guided his decision-making.
Speaking during the Motion of No Confidence debate in Parliament yesterday, Mr Manele revealed that this was the third motion brought against him since taking office.
He said the first motion was lodged just seven months after he became Prime Minister, while the second came only five months later.
Mr Manele said one of the major criticisms repeatedly raised against him was that he was seen as a weak leader who struggles to make decisions.
However, he told Parliament that his leadership approach has always been based on broad consultation with coalition partners and senior party leaders.
“My style of leadership is based on consultation. I always consult before I make decisions,” Mr Manele said.
He explained that as parliamentary leader of his party, he regularly consulted the party president, caucus chairman and deputy parliamentary leader before making major decisions.
Mr Manele said he also consulted coalition partners within the GNUT government, including leaders of the Kandere Party and Solomon Islands People’s First Party before the latter withdrew its support from the coalition.
Referring to criticism from former Health Minister and former coalition colleague, Mr Manele addressed concerns over the role of the advisory group he had established.
He said on one occasion he chose not to consult the advisory group because he had already consulted party leaders and deputy leaders who were themselves members of the advisory body.
“When I consult widely, I am portrayed as weak and indecisive,” he said.
“If I do not consult and instead make decisions on my own, I am accused of being dependent.”
Mr Manele acknowledged that criticism within coalition politics was unavoidable.
“Either way, there will always be some within GNUT who choose to criticise. Such is the nature of politics,” he said.
Photo credit: John Houanihau
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