St Lucian Prime Minister Stephenson King. - - AP

CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC):

The St Lucian government is a major step closer to quelling dissension and infighting within its ranks, with the resignation of controversial Economic Affairs and National Development Minister Ausbert d'Auvergne.

A government announcement late Friday stated that Senator d'Auvergne had tendered his resignation from the Cabinet to Prime Minister Stephenson King.

The statement described the move as the "resolution of a major issue".

At least four of the ruling United Workers Party's (UWP) members of Parliament, along with the Opposition St Lucia Labour Party (SLP), had publicly and repeatedly called for d'Auvergne to go, complaining that he was wielding far too much power and influence within the Cabinet for an unelected member.

However, Prime Minister King had refused to accede to the demand, which led to Dennery North MP and Deputy Speaker of the House Marcus Nicholas and his colleague Rufus Bousquet formally withdrawing their support for King a week ago.

Another effort to save the 17-month-old administration was made on Friday when all the government MPs met at the prime minister's official residence.

new job offer

Sources close to the meeting said that d'Auvergne was offered a job with government as a consultant, but he turned down the offer.

The meeting was reported to be cordial and it was expected that in light of d'Auvergne's resignation, the elected MPs would meet again yesterday to discuss the way forward.

Speaking to reporters after the opening of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) summit here Friday, Prime Minister King said that some significant strides were being made in the ongoing talks to settle the dispute and he was certain that it would be resolved over the weekend.

"I don't want to prejudice the outcome of the discussion by saying exactly where the talks are headed and whether or not we will end up with a new Cabinet or prime minister, but I believe there is goodwill and a common commit-ment on the part of members who seem willing to engage in the implementation of the development agenda for St Lucia," he said.

issues of concern

"There are certain issues which remain of concern to members, and once those are dealt with, we will see the spirits again being lifted," King added.

He said that contrary to suggestions from the leader of the opposition, he was not prepared to stand by and allow the country to sink.

King added that while he did his best to keep d'Auvergne in the Cabinet, he had to take the decision in the national interest.

There had been calls for King to step down over his refusal to sack the minister and prior to Friday's meeting, it was reported that two other Cabinet members were on the verge of also withdrawing their support.