“The people of Papua New Guinea are sick and tired of the cheap and personal gutter politics we have seen from the Opposition Leaders in this term of Parliament.”

The people of PNG are increasingly sick and tired of me.

“Papua New Guineans want debate on policy on substantive issues that matter to the lives of the men, women and children of our nation.”

True – and they also want honest, accountable and competent government, which I have difficulty in providing.

“The paranoia the current and previous opposition leaders have displayed is not the standard that is needed this country.”

I am made very uncomfortable when the Opposition calls out my significant failings as a leader.

“Be mindful that the Opposition misleads media with the expectation that some journalists will not check facts.”

Journalists know when something is factual; it’s when I say it.

“Polye’s latest misleading claims related to land - because he knows there is no more emotive issue in our country than land ownership.”

Unfortunately Polye seems to be on to something and I need to shut debate down.

“He further continues to make unsubstantiated claims of conspiracies between government agencies, that he often claims have to do with undermining opposition.”

Yes, he’s definitely on to something.

“I can assure the media who received these latest Opposition statements that there is no truth to his claims.”

My bad, his claims are almost certainly 100% correct.

“I urge all journalists to fully investigate the claims made by Polye, which is the role of the independent media of our nation, and not simply publish unsubstantiated drivel.”

Journalists should do what I tell them.

“The Leader of the Opposition must focus on policy alternatives and not personal attacks on Members of the National Parliament."

Keep off my turf. Personal attacks are the preserve of moi and only moi. 

“We have all had enough of desperate politics. If the Leader of the Opposition has nothing to offer our nation but cheap shots and slander, he should step aside for another member of the Opposition to take his place.”

I wish.

"Is there someone in the ranks of the Opposition who can debate on policy and substance?”

If so, I’ll also attack them vehemently.

“The 2017 elections will be the most important in the history of Papua New Guinea, and we need the people of our nation to hear debate on the serious issues of the economy, climate change, education, healthcare, infrastructure and law and order.”

I face a real threat of being tossed out in 2017 and I want you to understand that my legacy of moral rectitude, scrupulous honesty and wise governance is not one you should too easily spurn.