Albert Henry had corruptly used government money to fly in voters and secure a majority. Davis was subsequently asked to form a government and was sworn in as Prime Minister. One of his first actions as Prime Minister was to ban Czech-born "cancer therapist" Milan Brych from Rarotonga hospital and bar him from returning to the Cook Islands. As Prime Minister he pursued economic independence, reduced the government deficit, and unsuccessfully explored joining the Lomé Convention to obtain aid from the European Economic Community. In 1979 he replaced the old flag of the Cook Islands of 15 yellow stars on a green background with the Cook Islands Ensign. In 1982, "Te Atua Mou E" was adopted as the national anthem of the Cook Islands, replacing "God Defend New Zealand". Davis wrote the music to "Te Atua Mou E" and his wife wrote the lyrics. After being defeated in the March 1983 election, Davis became leader of the opposition again. The defection of cabinet minister Tapui Henry from the government six months later forced a second election, which returned Davis to power. In 1984 the defection of Vincent Ingram forced him into an uncomfortable coalition with the Cook Islands Party under Geoffrey Henry. Henry subsequently left the coalition, but five MPs remained, providing Davis with a majority. In 1985 at a South Pacific Forum meeting he announced, mostly to gain local electoral kudos and in "bone-headed stupidity", that the Cooks would reconsider the relationship with New Zealand. David Lange, who disliked Davis, said if the Cooks wanted independence he would cut aid and remove New Zealand citizenship rights. Lange also said "We can probably throw in a second-hand Orion at a knock down rate so you can do your own maritime surveillance." Following the collapse of ANZUS over New Zealand's anti-nuclear policy, Davis declared the Cook Islands' neutrality as New Zealand would be unable to defend it. Davis subsequently opposed a New Zealand offer to hold military exercises in the Cook Islands to demonstrate its ability, but his opposition was overturned by Cabinet. On 3 August 1986 Davis became the first head of government to formally consult with the Universal House of Justice, the supreme governing institution of the Baháʼí Faith. He was ousted as Prime Minister on 29 July 1987 after failing three times to pass a budget through Parliament. He resigned as Democratic Party leader after losing his seat