Fiji had experienced the ordeal of two military coups.

I was the deputy Chairman of the Democratic Union of the Pacific, and we started at 8 I think and I was called to the telephone and to be told there's a coup, the government has been overthrown - it was round about 9, 10 when the Parliament sat they had done then.

I suspect the psychological pressure associated with that crisis caused the first mental blackout I had ever suffered. It contributed to a deterioration in my health that later required the insertion of a heart pacemaker.

If the constitution goes, I go.

It is with obedience to your call that I take up the burden of government leadership for the final time.

And I said, yes, if you think that I avoid bloodshed by standing aside, then I will stand aside.