Young Vivian

Mititaiagimene Young Vivian (born 12 November 1935) is a Niuean politician who has twice been the premier of his country. Representing the Niue People's Action Party, he defeated sitting premier Sani Lakatani in May 2002 elections. Vivian had previously served as premier for a brief period from 12 December 1992 to 9 March 1993 following the death of Sir Robert Rex. He had also previously been the secretary general of the Pacific Community from 1979 until 1982. He was re-elected to the Niue Assembly (national Parliament) unopposed in elections that were held in April 2005. He was again re-elected unopposed to Parliament in the 2008 elections.[1] However, he lost his position as premier when he was successfully challenged by fellow MP Toke Talagi after that election. Talagi was elected premier by the Assembly, with fourteen votes to Vivian's five, and one abstaining.[2]

The Honourable Young Vivian
Vivian at a fiafia in Hakupu, 2006
Premier of Niue
In office 1 May 2002 – 19 June 2008
Deputy	Hon. Fisa Igilisi Pihigia MP
Preceded by	Sani Lakatani
Succeeded by	Toke Talagi
Constituency	Hakupu
In office 12 December 1992 – 9 March 1993
Preceded by	Sir Robert Rex
Succeeded by	Frank Lui
Personal details
Born	12 November 1935 (age 85)
Political party	Niue People's Action Party, then independent
Spouse(s)	Vaitofuola (nee Ikiua-Lupo)

He has also been Niue's Minister of Health and Minister of Tourism.

In his political career, which has spanned over 30 years, Young Vivian has held most (if not all) ministerial portfolios in Niue's government – mostly during his many years as a Cabinet Minister in the governments of Sir Robert Rex (in office 1974–1992) and of Frank Lui (in office 1993–1999).

References

1. "Niue Premier and Cabinet returned un-opposed as nominations close", Radio New Zealand International, 23 May 2008
2. "Talagi declared new Niue premier", ABC Radio Australia, 19 June 2008