Mick Beddoes has not learned his lesson. He cannot shut out the Fiji Sun and other media and then expect to come out winning.

The principal administrative officer in the Opposition Office yesterday stopped Fiji Sun’s photo journalist Paulini Ratulailai from covering the SODELPA annual general meeting at Epworth House in Suva yesterday. Some media members were allowed in.

But other SODELPA officials and members told her that Mr Beddoes had no jurisdiction on SODELPA matters. His authority was only confined to the Opposition Office, they told her. They then ushered her into the meeting. Earlier Mr Beddoes stopped Fiji Sun journalist Farisha Ahmed and chief photographer Ronald Kumar.

Mr Beddoes had earlier put out an edict that SODELPA and Opposition forces had placed a ban on the Fiji Sun.

When will he ever learn that his myopic view of the Fiji Sun will not do him and people he represents any good in the long run?

It was clear yesterday that some in SODELPA do not agree with him and question the wisdom of some of his ideas. He has increasingly incensed a growing list of SODELPA members who feel that Mr Beddoes could be doing more harm than good to the party image.

If he wants to enhance the reputation and image of the Opposition and SODELPA then he needs to offload this bogey (ban on Fiji Sun) from his back.

Otherwise, he is fighting a losing battle.

Feedback: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj