While that may have upset some PNM youths, Ford's words may be supported by some older PNMites.
However, the post is a pivotal one and whoever occupies it will have to set the pace or at the very least be in synch with the resurgent energy the PNM is striving for. Faris Al-Rawi, contesting the PRO post along with four others, was also selected as a PNM senator by Rowley. However, PNMites on Thursday tipped Joel Primus for the post. MP Nileung Hypolite, contesting youth officer male against incumbent Dane Wilson, has consistently been on walkabouts and at meetings with Rowley. Some compromise and sacrifice will be necessary to give the PNM the team it needs at this phase of its political life. Delegates will have to balance considera-tions of competence and rapid response ability, political skill, experience and innova-tiveness, ability to mobilise and the criteria for presenting a "national face" capable of attract-ing members. Rowley's address at convention's end will include announcement of the PNM's four deputy leaders. Those expected to be retained include Toba-go leader Orville London and Joan Yuille-Williams, who Rowley has consistently praised up to the last council. Since deputies can be appointed annually, PNMites believe Yuille-Williams can be re-tained since her institutional memory and organisational skills have helped Rowley with groundwork. A question mark hangs over attendance tomorrow by outgoing chairman John Donald-son and assistant general secretary Rose Janierre, who were ill recently.