Imbert backs Rowley for "peace in the PNM"

Colm Imbert will back Keith Rowley for opposition leader but will still consider running against him for the leadership of the People's National Movement (PNM).

The Diego Martin North East MP was the only one of the PNM 12-member caucus who was holding out in endorsing Rowley for the post.

Rowley will take the oath of office on Friday and will lead the opposition in Parliament, which convenes on June 14. Former PNM leader Patrick Manning will sit as an ordinary MP for the first time since 1987, when he became opposition leader following the defeat of the PNM in general elections in December 1986.

Imbert told the Trinidad Guardian he decided to support Rowley "in the interest of the party and for peace and harmony in the PNM."

Imbert is still considering a run against Rowley at a special leadership convention of the party on June 27.

PNM officials say both men have support for the leadership post. Manning has promised to remain neutral and won't endorse anyone.

Former PNM deputy leader Kenneth Valley, who was pushed aside by Manning in the 2007 general election, is ready to work to rebuild the party under Rowley's leadership.

"We did it before and we can do it again with Dr Rowley at the helm...I’ll work with him and provide whatever I can...May 24 dealt the PNM a significant blow because members assumed the party would have won and obviously people are depressed,” he told the Guardian.

Valley added, "This is not a catastrophe, most of the seats we lost we can win back again. Right now we’re already focusing on preparations for local government and with the new leadership, I think we can recoup from the anti-Manning sentiment.”

He said competition for the leadership will only serve to strengthen the party.

"In the UNC elections, Kamla faced opposition and it strengthened her position when she won because she was elected leader and did not become leader by acclamation as Winston Dookeran was in the UNC,” he added.

Valley also condemned the behaviour of PNM members who hounded Manning and literally chased him out of Balisier House last week.

"There was no excuse whatsoever for their behaviour. It was very bad for them to treat a person that way....a person who served the party well for 39 years and he has left a legacy. He had done a lot for T&T and that is an undeniable fact.

“I know people will feel badly that we lost, but that is no excuse for the behaviour we saw there that day,” Valley said.