Government sources said the Prime Minister has been really quiet with candidates for the post since sacking his Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Shanel a fortnight ago.
“He is still assessing his Government members for the most suitable candidate,” the source said.
The government source said at this stage, the Prime Minister is keeping his prerogatives to himself.
However, the Solomon Star understands four candidates have been eyed by the Prime Minister for the vacant post.
They are Member of Parliament for Rennell/Bellona Seth Gukuna, North Vella La Vella MP Milner Tozaka, Police Minister Clay Forau and Government backbencher and East Fataleka MP Steve Abana.
The portfolio was left vacant after Prime Minister Lilo sacked his Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Shanel a fortnight ago.
Mr Lilo axed Shanel because the Prime Minister said the former Foreign Affairs Minister's action in attempting to establish diplomatic relations with Russia have directly and adversely undermined the Cabinet's decision.
Mr Shanel last week accused the Prime Minister of jumping the gun in relation to his sacking.
The former Foreign Affairs Minister confirmed that his sacking has proved past speculations that he would be sacked one day.
He
claimed the whole Russian ties excuse was a cover-up as this was a planned move
all along.
Although it was not clear whether Shanel has moved to the Opposition, the Solomon Star understands he has since associated himself with the Opposition and Independent group during the current Parliament sessions.
By DOUGLAS MARAU
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