Pacific

Cook Islands MP claims new members for his political faction

07:26 am on 26 July 2004

A Cook Islands MP, Norman George, says his supporters will decide the balance of power after the country's general election.

Mr George has swelled the numbers allied to his new faction within the Democratic Party, called the Tumu Enua grouping.

Mr George says his faction will only support certain coalitions.

Norman George says he's modelling himself on New Zealand's former finance minister Winston Peters - who's often been a key player in shifting political alliances.

"I am coming with some dynamic policies, there are nine altogether, and, I take the line from New Zealand First - select a few policies and make them count. And whoever are partners are going to be, they have to accept out nine policies, or nothing."

Mr George has yet to reveal specific policy details.