COP Deputy leader slams unity deal, says it puts UNC in control

A deputy leader of the Congress of the People (COP) is not pleased with the unity accord for the May 24 general election.

And Robert Mayers says he won't be speaking on any joint platform because in his view there is no real change.

In a media statement Mayers said there is still the stigma of corruption attached to the UNC and he is disappointed that in the unity accord there is no arrangement to allow his party to act as "protector of the people and the national purse".

Mayers was out of the country when the deal was announced but acknowledged that he was never in the dark during the negotiations. He supports the idea of unity and has pledged to assist "some party candidates".

Mayers said it is the view of many COP supporters that the unity arrangement is just about getting rid of Manning.

That's a point that has been refuted by all members of the team, including COP leader Winston Dookeran who has said repeatedly that the unity pact is "unbreakable".

Mayers believes the election is really between the PNM and the UNC "with a few candidates from COP and other parties being thrown in as backdrop" to suggest that there is unity.