Ex-Premier's Dream Shattered But Show Goes On

Former Niue Premier Young Vivian spent many months convincing fellow Pacific Islands leaders his tiny island could cope with hosting their annual forum summit.

But any dreams Young Vivian (pictured right) had of a political swansong year as chairman of the forum were shattered when he was ousted as his tiny island's leader after elections there in June.

Vivian was given no official role to play as the region's political elite --- his former confidantes --- arrived on Niue for one of the biggest events it has ever experienced.

He cut a forlorn figure in the audience watching on as the man who toppled him from power, Toke Talagi, took top spot to welcome forum leaders and direct them to their designated seats on stage.

As forum leaders mingled with the crowds after formalities were over, Mr Vivian did manage to catch up with some of his former leader 'buddies', including New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark.

He thanked her for the letter of commiseration she sent him after his dumping from office, the only forum leader to do so.

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Welcome to Niue.

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Top spot.

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Young Vivian greets Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare.

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Former Niue premier Young Vivian greets NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark.

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Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd chatting with Solomons Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua on the Alofi waterfront in Niue.

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