Manning admits his unpopularity caused PNM to lose 2010 general election

Friends again? Patrick Manning and Keith Rowley

Patrick Manning is at peace with his God. And he admits that his party lost the May 24, 2010 general election due to his waning popularity as the country's leader.

Speaking at the annual general meeting of his San Fernando East constituency, the former PM said: "My leadership became the main issue then, and I wanted to give the people the opportunity to decide whether I should stay any longer in office."

He added, "The PNM lost the elections, but after 12 years as prime minister and as the longest serving parliamentarian, I demitted office gracefully, and now, I am at peace with myself and closer to God."

In reference to the controversial church at Guanapo which became the straw that broke Manning's political back, he said, "One day, they will have to explain what a church has to do with the politics of Trinidad and Tobago."

Manning insisted that he planned the election in October 2009, - two years after winning 26 of the 41 seats in the House of Representatives - and discussed it with his cabinet.

"As we came closer to May 24, I could have changed the date, but since my leadership was the issue, I decided to let the people decide," he said.

Manning also blamed the media for his party's defeat in May 2010. At the same time he admitted making errors. 

"Now they (the government) would realise that Trinidad requires strong leadership to govern the country. We made a lot of errors, but we were only human and no government can govern without making errors," Manning said

He also spoke of the need for electoral reform to include the regulation of financial contributions made to political parties for elections. 

He said while his party raised $23 million during the last elections and accounted for all of it "the UNC...collected upwards of $400 million and they spent $200 million." Manning didn't say how he got that inside information.