Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in her once-monthly Parliamentary hot seat yesterday, fielded questions from a new Opposition PNM representative rather than the Opposition Leader who usually does it.
"Where the Opposition Leader...where (Keith) Rowley?" PP's Roodal Moonilal asked when PNM's Donna Cox rose to do the job.
(PNM's Faris al-Rawi told the T&T Guardian Rowley was out of T&T, returning today.)
PNM MPs carried on yesterday's questioning with ILP's Jack Warner taking a leading role also.
Persad-Bissessar received negative responses from PNM's Colm Imbert regarding one answer (and complained, as he and other PNMites did, about her other answers.) But she had a better reception and audience when her UNC rolled into Barrackpore on Monday with strong numbers confirming it has been consolidating its base for some time.
Among features was the "Sign of Victory" tune used to motivate troops for the fight ahead (though it was used in some 2013 campaign meetings and PP lost.) PP's recent Brazil meeting had included warnings from speakers about the seriousness of the election and need to be organised. This week, the PM's relaxed tone on the Barrackpore numbers and energy conveyed her satisfaction with work being done. She also brought up her legacy–a post defeat feature–which would keep PP troops on point to prevent the need for legacy from arising yet.
That night's election artillery tool included explanations on her no-confidence motion against Rowley debate–seeking to probe matters in the David West issue–in which PP is seeking to pillory Rowley's leadership capacity. Debate involving both sides however will require answers from the PP as well as PNM.
Within that move lies a divide-and-conquer strategy with Persad-Bissessar's challenge to Rowley to allow his MPs a conscience vote, raising the question whether PNM MPs would all support him. She had allowed her MPs a conscience vote on the controversial election result runoff system (after the COP made it clear it wasn't in favour of it) and MPs Winston Dookeran and Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan broke ranks and vetoed the bill, but remained in Cabinet.
Also in mind might be issues within PNM arising from recent candidacy screenings where certain nominees were rejected causing mutterings. As well, screening is on next Wednesday for areas like Laventille West (where MP Nileung Hypolite who supported Penny Beckles�Robinson for the 2013 leadership fight is up against Fitzgerald Hinds,) and Diego Martin Central (where incumbent Amery Browne is tipped to be replaced.)
PP strategists might also have been (wishfully) thinking of the April 2011 motion by PNM's Patrick Manning on his bid for legal counsel in a Privileges matter where he expected colleagues' support, though leadership officials abstained from voting, some supported him and a couple were absent from the Chamber at voting time.
Yesterday Parliament officials said Standing Order 36 mandated it only requires one day's notice for debate but the motion hasn't been filed yet. PP House Leader Roodal Moonilal on Thursday declined to say when the motion will be debated. He said he's fine tuning, and it would be submitted "shortly."
PNM MPs are however closing ranks around Rowley. Hypolite said the Prime Minister's attempts to create PNM friction would fail, "We're much brighter than that, aware of what she's doing and won't fall for it."
MP Paula Gopee-Scoon said: "We always vote as a united front, I can't see it any other way."
"Of course we're supporting Dr Rowley," MP Fitzgerald Jeffrey added.
Colm Imbert said the motion was "foolishness." Manning, absent recently, indicated Wednesday he's "seriously considering" attending the debate.
San Fernando East PNMites have redoubled efforts with new candidate Randall Mitchell following EBC recommendations of boundary shifts which Imbert said would make S/Fernando East marginal. That confirmation and overall implications are deepened by the fact the constituency has the most party groups and strongest support in Manning's tenure.
PNM's mobilisation–and visibility–shifts into higher gear with a Women's League meeting today in San Fernando, screenings next week, Thursday's General Council, a Baptist function on Saturday and a Brazil meeting where candidate Maxie Cuffie will display his support after PP MP Jairam Seemungal's successful meeting there.
The UNC, continuing constituency call-out–and show of core force–returns into the East-West Corridor on Monday to St Joseph which the party lost and, where sign of any progress since, may be previewed. The meeting however is on the Aranguez side where traditionally PP has support.
The COP will on Tuesday test Diego Martin waters after resignation of key activists recently. Among those Joe Pires, chairman of Griffith group's Alliance of Independents says Diego Martin community members have sought a March 23 meeting with them at Diego Martin community centre. He said that may feature some of the groups/parties, people talking with AlIiance in its third force bid.
With everyone emerging publicly–and results of various probes still ahead–the countdown is on for PP's May 24 anniversary and its traditional rally where idea
of an election date will become clearer.