There were considerable "Oooohs!" in Parliament yesterday when House Speaker Wade Mark announced the absence of five of PNM's 13-MP team who'd asked to be excused for that sitting.
"Oooooo goooooddd..." PP MPs declared with some amusement as Mark read out the names of MPs Joanne Thomas, Paula Gopee-Scoon, Donna Cox, Nielung Hypolite and Amery Browne. (Absent yet again was Patrick Manning.)
Thus their support was missing, for Rowley's no-confidence motion against Finance Minister Larry Howai, the centrepiece of Private Members Day in Parliament, when Opposition PNM business is discussed.
Rowley's motion which raised serious questions about Howai's alleged involvement in share issues and his handling of the FCB IPO matter, still had the support of colleagues Marlene McDonald, Colm Imbert, Terrence Deyalsingh, Patricia McIntosh, Alicia Hospedales and Fitzgerald Jeffrey.
Rowley in solemn tones pressed on, seeming as unfazed by their absence as PNM's hierarchy has appeared to be on rumblings which continue dogging some PNM candidacy efforts.
PNM Arima chairman Cagney Cassimire has acknowledged that even though some who had been against candidate Anthony Garcia are now supporting, there's still a minority core that against it. There's certain unease in quarters of PNM's Laventille strongholds officials there said, and attention is on Diego Martin Central's candidacy–and what fallout it might have from Browne's supporters. Browne who's promised to say more later on his commitment to serving citizens, has urged members against any no-vote campaign.
A groundswell of PNM support–particularly in the east-west corridor is rolling, PNM officials confirm, with strong samplings of PNMites who in 2010 voted against Manning–primarily vetoing the PP on the perception of corruption, more than supporting Rowley's leadership.
PP's delivery thrust during the term–expected to have boosted elections stocks has taken a back seat rating (so far) to PP's multitude of maladministrative mishaps. These and other factors may contribute to the PNM's confidence in forging ahead with candidate-selection despite some constituencies' continuing concerns up to this week.
Five years ago this month the PP had been T&T's political flavour de jour due to perceived PNM corruption, Manning's unpopularity and the Rowley rift–but now PP's enduring similar problems. PP's own candidate selection therefore may also be issue-bound considering the COP's bid for 13 seats (its six plus seven COP lost in 2010) including the crucial San Fernando West. In this significant marginal, it's a toss-up whether COP can produce a successful candidate–considering its weak profile–or whether the UNC will get the seat. Same applies in marginal Tunapuna and other seats where PP will have to weigh whether COP's fragmented stocks will pass muster. The Alliance of Independents will announce its political leader at a meeting next weekend, Joe Pires said.
The election setting however continues to be finalised on other fronts (on both sides). Soon after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar shared her birthday cupcakes on Wednesday with Rowley at a function, Rowley's office on Thursday announced he'd taken 193 Diego Martin primary students to a movie.
Persad-Bissessar wasn't sharing any election hints when she appeared at UNC's Fyzabad meeting on Monday marking the signing of 2010 signing of the accord cementing the PP. Most of the original leaders attended though Winston Dookeran was absent (and wishes for his recovery from illness were extended to explain this) and NJAC patriarch Makandal Daaga was produced (to deny PNM rumours he'd dissed the PP).
PP's shape five years after the accord was best demonstrated by the MSJ's absence, lack of COP flags and diminished Tobago presence
Even as he pitched to the undecided, COP leader Prakash Ramadhar admitted to PP's dilemma: that T&T had expected "angels, but we're mere mortals," some fell short and there were many "trials and tribulations."
His warning that "the PNM is very strong" was PP's acknowledgement of its predicament as was Ashworth Jack's prediction of "When they get in..." and Persad-Bissessar's cautious statement that "should" the PP form government (before the crowd urged her to say "when"). She got in her knocks against the PNM by bringing public servants into the picture against Rowley's promises to hike MPs salary if PNM won, and in noting PNM walked out of their own motions last week along with PP's no confidence motion against Rowley.
Persad-Bissessar is expected at tomorrow's UNC 26th anniversary to hint the way forward regarding her UNC ranks. But she may also have to reply to statements from tomorrow morning's Chaguanas forum where her former boss and colleagues, Basdeo Panday, Ramesh Maharaj, Jack Warner, MSJ's David Abdulah, Mickela Panday, Nizam Mohammed (and former Vincentian PM James Mitchell) will speak on the Privy Council.
Panday said, "I didn't even know it was UNC's anniversary. I couldn't care less.. that's not my party, it's different. But I want to emphasise we're (speakers) coming together on a common subject the Privy Council and ought to focus on that and not mix it with anything else.
For tomorrow's activities in an election season, all material will be fair game.