O’Neill hints government coalition is intact

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill said yesterday that the government coalition is intact as agreed prior to the elections and would head into the eighth parliament as a team.
He said as dictated by the Organic Law on Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates, any party with the biggest number of members after the elections would be invited to form government.
He was reluctant to speculate on his own chances of being invited saying it was “early days yet”.
“Let the numbers speak for themselves,” he said. “The party has got clear defined policies that are achievable.
“We have selected nationwide a high caliber of candidates. That is why we seem to have nationwide appeal judging by how our candidates are doing.
“The government is still in place. Coalition members are doing well. It is early days yet for serious discussions.
“The rule is simple. The party with the biggest number will be invited. If any one of our coalition partners take that honour we will be happy to support.”
O’Neill also said parties had emerged stronger in this election than ever.
He said more people had voted for parties rather than individuals.