Yellowknife (Dec 19/03) - Though both of Inuvik's MLAs were hoping for a cabinet portfolio, after the 15th Legislative Assembly members' votes were counted, Boot Lake MLA Floyd Roland was in and Twin Lake MLA Roger Allen was out.

Prior to the vote, Allen was hopeful for either the finance or RWED portfolios but it was not to be.

Nevertheless, the former justice minister took the news graciously, saying he wasn't surprised.

"First and foremost I take pride in being elected MLA," he said. "It's just the way life goes in this political arena and I've got no regrets."

Similarly, Roland says he was not surprised by colleagues' support for his cabinet bid.

"I was hopeful and fairly confident," he said

Following the vote, Premier Joe Handley took the weekend to decide portfolio assignments to those MLAs elected to cabinet.

On Monday, he announced his decision to appoint Roland as deputy premier, minister of Finance, chair of the Financial Management Board and minister of Public Works and Services.

Roland says that although the territory has about a $100-million breathing room before it reaches its borrowing limit, it is critical that the GNWT works out a favorable formula financing deal and revenue sharing agreement with the federal government.

"If we want to avoid a major service reduction and maintain what we enjoy in the territory, it's critical that we sort these things out."

As for Allen's role in the new government, he has been selected to chair the Accountability and Oversight Committee.