An advisor of French Polynesia's pro-independence leader Oscar Temaru says he has no regrets about the failed campaign to get him to stand in the French presidential election.
French Polynesia leader Oscar Temaru. Photo: RNZI
Mr Temaru fell well short of the support needed among parliamentarians and mayors to be listed as a candidate in next month's election.
But his advisor Moetai Brotherson told the public broadcaster that enormous pressure was applied to thwart Mr Temaru, suggesting that mayors were warned of possible losses of subsidies.
He also said he was saddened to see that some Tahitians were ordered to back Marine Le Pen although they would have wanted to endorse Mr Temaru.
The comments refered to the Tahoeraa Huiraatira of Gaston Flosse, who has firmed up ties with France's National Front.
Mr Brotherson had been dismissive of the Elysee Accord signed by President François Hollande and French Polynesia's Edouard Fritch last week.
He said it was no more than a mixture of small measures akin to a marketing exercise.