French Polynesia's ruling party has approached a French nuclear expert to work for the assembly two years after sacking him.
Moruroa Photo: AFP
Bruno Barrillot, who headed the territory's body concerned with the aftermath of the French nuclear weapons tests, lost his jobs when the Tahoeraa came to power in the last election.
It said the one million US dollars paid to Mr Barrillot's organisation was excessive and dismissed him, triggering outrage and dismay.
In November, the Tahoeraa faction loyal to its leader, Gaston Flosse, voted for an assembly resolution asking France to pay compensation for the environmental damage caused by the nuclear weapons tests.
The vote was boycotted by the government of Edouard Fritch and the assembly was rebuked by the French High Commissioner who labelled the resolution an unfriendly act.
The head of the test veterans' organisation has told public radio that Mr Barrillot has no interest in returning to help one faction of the Tahoeraa settle its score with Mr Fritch.