Manning takes heat on assassination plot revelations

Prime Minister Patrick Manning is not taking questions about his statement Monday night that there was a plot to assassinate him. But Manning's claim of a plot that he never reported to police is raising questions from several quarters, including politicians.

Read the story: Manning reveals plot to assassinate him

The leader of the Congress of the People feels Manning failed in his duty to report the matter to the police.

Winston Dookeran said, "This story is looking inexplicable. The Prime Minister is guilty of not reporting a matter of national security to the police. He is further guilty of raising alarms in this nation by saying there would have been bloodshed.

"This is my view is not believable and I think the Prime Minister owes it to this nation to come clean with the full facts as to what organisation he is talking about, why he did not report it to the police and what action was taken, if any," Dookeran said.

Opposition leader Basdeo Panday told Newsday Manning's story lacks credibility and suggested that the prime minister take a polygraph test.

“What’s the connection between that person stopping the convoy and the threat? He said he never reported it to the police. Why? He spoke of blood. Whose blood?” Panday asked. “What’s the point of making that statement now? It can only be a red herring?”

He wondered why Manning won't reveal the name of the organisation involved in the alleged plot and the person who revealed the plot his Manning's wife.

“Is he saying that if he had reported it to the police, the police would have gone and killed all these people in this group? Is that the kind of police force he has created in this country?”

The police are also in the dark about any plot.

Acting Commissioner of Police James Philbert told the media Manning has never lodged a complaint about any plot to assassinate him. However, Philbert said based on Manning's claims he would investigate the case, adding that "an investigator (is) assigned to it already.”

Former President Arthur N.R. Robinson didn't have all the details about the story but he told the Trinidad Express he found Manning's disclosure "abnormal". He said he would like to hear what the police have to say on the matter.

Read the editorial: PM needs to explain why assassination plot was never investigated