Opposition can't beat PNM for "sometime to come": Manning

Patrick Manning predicts that his governing People's National Movement (PNM) is secure and no opposition would be able to vote it out of office for "sometime to come" despite the perception of a split within its own ranks.

There is open warfare between Manning and his Tobago-born former cabinet minister, Keith Rowley, who represents Diego Martin West in the House of Representatives.

That flared up during debate on the UDeCOTT validation bill when Manning said Rowley behaves like a "raging bull" when he faces opposition, adding that he has had to endure Rowley's bad manners for 12 years.

Read the story:Manning calls Rowley "a raging bull"; defends UDeCOTT

Rowley had earlier taken a swipe at Manning, saying his leader was encouraging corruption by not taking firm action against UDeCOTT. And Rowley called on PNM members to take firm action against corruption, which he said is the worst he has seen.

He also said the PNM is on trial and that the next election would be "the UDeCOTT election."

Read the story: Rowley wants to break PNM mold of corruption

Manning's immediate response was to go to Tobago for a special cabinet meeting and a number of announcements, including a promise to complete the controversial Scarborough hospital by May 2010 and a cost of about half a billion dollars, more than three times the original cost.

Read the story: Scarborough Hospital to cost $500M, ready in May 2010

Speaking Friday at the commissioning of the Cove Power Station at the Cove Eco-Industrial and Business Park in Lowlands, Tobago Friday he mentioned the political climate.

He said there are some people both inside and outside the PNM who believe that the differences between him and Rowley have weakened the PNM's chances of an electoral victory.

But he dismissed that idea saying he is confident that the PNM would win another national election. And he suggested that one reason is because of his strong relationship with the Tobago House of Assembly.

"This harmony is based on mutual respect and continues to ensure tremendous benefits for the people of Tobago, and which in turn serves the best interests of the entire country.

"I give the assurance of the continuation of this approach as long as we have the responsibility for the conduct of national affairs. We confidently anticipate, my dear friends, that this will be for some time to come," Manning said.