Mr. Manning and his colleagues along with the national community, all know that he deliberately embarked upon his character assassination of the PM with calm aforethought, and that such a course of action would face the resulting consequence.
When the Opposition caucus decided that it would not support his motion to claim legal representation before the Privileges Committee, they indicated by their decision that such matters should remain the preserve of the Parliament. Their decision also indicated a lack of sympathy for his cause.
From the report presented in Parliament it is also clear that Mr. Manning was deliberately obstructionist and at all times was unwilling to be subjected to the due authority of the Parliament.
In these circumstances, it is remarkable that the Opposition and certain members of the PNM have now found cause with Mr. Manning in his declared intent to contest the matter. This collusion is of simple political expediency and ill advised.
The airport reception afforded Mr. Manning on his return from Cuba by his constituents and some colleagues bodes ill for the PNM and its Political leader.
The airport reception afforded Mr. Manning on his return from Cuba by his constituents and some colleagues bodes ill for the PNM and its Political leader.
With a triumphant 40 year celebration imminent and his intention to restore himself politically, his successor in political office should be on high alert for the sake of the party and its historic record.
Mr. Manning is not a spotless candidate for office, and the opprobrium he has brought to his party and his legacy do not permit a return to leadership of the intelligent majority. Should he ever return to centre stage, it would be disastrous for the PNM in every sense.
Any such return will endure less than Napoleon’s 100 days after Elba. The complete rejection which Mr. Manning faced from Balisier House after losing the elections cannot be reversed without insanity prevailing.
Dr. Rowley may not be everyone’s choice for leader, but the party could have done infinitely worse. He now must display the same courage he showed in Parliament when he opposed Mr. Manning in the UDeCOTT scandal. He must put an end to all support for Mr. Manning’s self restoration and stop supporting his spurious challenges against the Authority of Parliament.
As it is now, Mr. Manning can be removed from the Parliament for publicly criticizing the Speaker and the latter owes the nation decisive action. The entire Parliament is being brought into disrepute with allegations of “kangaroo court” and Mr. Manning and all MP’s know this well.
The constituents of Mr. Manning who are promoting his return may all need counseling. But they first need to recognize the architect of their loss of representation in the House.
The Manning fringe does not represent either the mass of PNM electors nor the party officials who determine courses of action. Yet, some may yearn for a return to office and be influenced vaingloriously.
Mr. Manning is not a spotless candidate for office, and the opprobrium he has brought to his party and his legacy do not permit a return to leadership of the intelligent majority. Should he ever return to centre stage, it would be disastrous for the PNM in every sense.
Any such return will endure less than Napoleon’s 100 days after Elba. The complete rejection which Mr. Manning faced from Balisier House after losing the elections cannot be reversed without insanity prevailing.
Dr. Rowley may not be everyone’s choice for leader, but the party could have done infinitely worse. He now must display the same courage he showed in Parliament when he opposed Mr. Manning in the UDeCOTT scandal. He must put an end to all support for Mr. Manning’s self restoration and stop supporting his spurious challenges against the Authority of Parliament.
As it is now, Mr. Manning can be removed from the Parliament for publicly criticizing the Speaker and the latter owes the nation decisive action. The entire Parliament is being brought into disrepute with allegations of “kangaroo court” and Mr. Manning and all MP’s know this well.
The constituents of Mr. Manning who are promoting his return may all need counseling. But they first need to recognize the architect of their loss of representation in the House.
The Manning fringe does not represent either the mass of PNM electors nor the party officials who determine courses of action. Yet, some may yearn for a return to office and be influenced vaingloriously.
Mr. Manning’s current pronouncements and pursuits will effectively destroy all that the party has ever accomplished and put paid to its future effectively.
The leadership must make objective decisions to preserve it from the insurrection within. If the caucus cannot stand united against Mr. Manning’s slipping ambitions and volatile course of self serving action, the party will find itself heading for an inglorious end under a temporary usurper dedicated to his own destruction.
MFRahman.
No comments:
Post a Comment