Manning attacks choice of Volney as UNC candidate

Patrick Manning attacked the United National Congress (UNC) Sunday for selecting former High Court judge Herbert Volney as a candidate in the general election.

The political leader of the People's National Movement (PNM) was speaking at Woodford Square in Port of Spain at a rally to present the party's 41 candidates for the May 24 general election.

Volney resigned last week and announced that he would enter politics "to save the nation" from a government that had become dictatorial.

On Friday the UNC announced that Volney would be its candidate for St Joseph. Volney will make his first public speech at St Joseph on Monday.

Manning called Volney's nomination "disgraceful" and demanded that the UNC come clean on what transpired between Volney and the party ahead of the decision to quit and move into politics.

“Is it that they have interfered with the independence of the judiciary,” he asked.

UNC Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar has already stated publicly that there was no prior discussion with Volney, who resigned on Wednesday and was screened on Thursday.

He said the UNC attacked the "fundamental and irreplaceable principle of our democracy" - the independence of the judiciary. He expressed doubt over the UNC's statement that no discussions were held with Volney while he was a judge.

"They are trying to deceive the people by trying to make a case that no political discussions or negotiations were taking place while this gentleman was presiding in the courts of the land. Yuh talk about lie? That is lie!" Manning declared.

"This points to real danger ahead for our democracy if this election goes the wrong way," he added.

Manning also suggested that everything was not OK with Volney, noting that he has heard about integrity questions about him. He said he would like to know why Volney was appointed a judge in the Bahamas and then have his appointment revoked.

He dismissed the idea that Volney is some kind of "national hero to be emulated. He is not a hero in any way." Manning said.

Read Volney' statement: "I am at peace with what I have chosen to do": Volney

Manning also spoke about his government's record, noting that his administration has brought unemployment to its lowest level ever, bringing it from 10.8 per cent to 4.5 per cent.

During the 1980s when the PNM was in government unemployment has reached 18 per cent.

Manning also boasted that under his stewardship disposable income has increased from US 6,788 annually to US 17,690.

The PNM leader began his speech with thanks for supporters. “Our cup runneth over,” he declared.

Earlier, the party made a change in its program to allow St Joseph candidate Kennedy Swaratsingh to replace Dr. Keith Rowley on the official program. Rowley was listed to deliver the second candidate’s speech during the presentation of candidate.

Former Arima MP Pennelope Beckles, who was rejected for two constituencies, presented the third group of candidates.