Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Adeang becomes speaker as Nauru government awaits new challenge

Posted at 03:43 on 20 March, 2008 UTC

In a surprise move, Nauru’s former Finance and Foreign Minister, David Adeang, has accepted the post of Parliamentary Speaker.

This comes after an attempt two days ago by the Opposition, led by Mr Adeang and former President Rene Harris, to topple the Government of Marcus Stephen.

That attempt foundered after the then Speaker, Riddell Akua, resigned, meaning the vote could not be put.

Today, after a series of nominations for the position were declined, Mr Adeang, who was forced out of office in a vote of no confidence last December, accepted the role.

It is possible that a vote in the Stephen Government may be held later today.