PNM worried about Manning-Rowley rift

The open confrontation between Patrick Manning and Keith Rowley that spilled into the public domain last week is causing concerns among members of the governing People's National Movement (PNM).

And although Manning tried to play it down, the party's chairman, Conrad Enill, has conceded that it was serious enough to be discussed at Thursday's special cabinet meeting in Tobago.

The focus of Tobago immediately after the outbursts between the two top PNM men in the House of Representatives is also a sign that the party is concerned that there could be serious fallout from the matter.

Rowley is very popular in Tobago, where he was born and raised, and some people are angry with the PNM for the treatment of one of their own.

Orville London, Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly, told reporters on Saturday it would be "very naive" to think a total fallout Manning and Rowley would not have "some repercussions" for the party.

"One of the things that we've learned in politics is that we cannot personalise political decisions," London said.

He acknowledged that the PNM is concerned about the warfare between the two men but he said he believes the two of them would resolve their differences with maturity and professionalism.

"It is not just between Mr Manning and Dr Rowley, it is really about the political party to which you belong, it is about the kind of policies, the kind of philosophy and, therefore, it has transcended personalities ," London said.

London was speaking at a media briefing following a PNM general council meeting in Tobago. Manning, chaired the meeting but Rowley did not attend.

Enill said the party did not discuss the Rowley matter but the general council agreed to ask its MPs and officials to visit their respective constituencies to get the views of supporters and to gauge the kind of support the party has at the present time.

"The party will always be concerned about any comments that suggest that we are not communicating as well as it (the party) should be and therefore it is in that context we are seeking to ensure that those comments can be dealt with," Enill said.