O’Neill welcomes new PNC MPs

CARETAKER Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has welcomed the election of People’s National Congress party members Mao Zeming (Tewai-Siassi) and Jimmy Miringtoro (Central Bougainville).
Zeming was declared the winner on Tuesday while Miringtoro got the nod yesterday morning.
Their declarations bring to six the number of seats the PNC party has won so far.
Other People’s National Congress members declared include Charlie Benjamin (Manus provincial), James Marape (Tari-Pori), Paul Isikiel (Markham) and O’Neill (Ialibu-Pangia).
“Zeming has served the people of Tewai-Siassi in this capacity before and returns for another term.
“His return to parliament under the PNC party fold shows the  people of the electorate have confidence in his leadership and the policies of the party,” O’Neill said.
“I’m confident Zeming will serve the people well during his tenure.”
He also welcomed the re-election of Miringtoro to parliament for a second term.
“Miringtoro has proven himself at the national level, serving as a minister (communications) in my cabinet in his first term. I welcome his election for a second term.”
O’Neill is expecting PNC to pick up a second seat in Bougainville –that of North Bougainville where sitting MP Lauta Atoi is leading comfortably.