Solomons government confident of retaining power

Updated August 11, 2008 14:30:41

Prime Minister Derek Sikua survived the vote of no confidence on Friday. [Reuters]

Solomon Islands' deputy prime minister Fred Fono believes the government will now stay in power until the next general elections, in 2010.

This follows the defeat of the opposition motion of no confidence against prime minister Dr Derek Sikua on Friday.

The government retained power by an overwhelming 39 votes to eight.

Mr Fono predicts the government would remain strong and says it should be allowed the time to implement the many rural development projects it has in the pipeline.

He says the motion of no confidence brought by the opposition was none other than a hunger for power.