Sir Peter: No interest in prime minister’s seat ‘as yet’

ENGA Governor Sir Peter Ipatas has clarified that he has no interest in the prime minister’s seat as yet, saying he remains in support of Peter O’Neill.
He told a crowd in Goroka last Friday in front of O’Neill that some had been speculating about him running for the top post if a vote of no-confidence motion was passed in Parliament.
“I am your father in the Highlands region. I have been in Parliament for many years. I can be prime minister. It is not hard. But there is only one position and we are already sitting in the chair now. It will not be good to tussle over the PM’s seat.”
Sir Peter said the mandate was given to O’Neill to lead the country after the 2017 general election.
“Let’s wait till 2022 to try our luck to be PM,” he said.
“I also want to be PM, to feel how it is like to be the prime minister.”
Sir Peter said O’Neill must continue the good work he was doing for the people.
He told the people of Eastern Highlands that they were lucky to live along the Highlands Highway and benefit from the many projects the Government was giving them,
“I am at the end of the highway. Past prime ministers never want to come to Enga. But our current Prime Minister O’Neill always like to come to Enga and I am happy,” he said.