Outgoing Prime Minister Patrick Manning is moving to give up the leadership of the party following Monday's heavy defeat at the polls. Manning advanced his plan to "disengage himself" from the leadership of the PNM during a meeting at Balisier House, Port-of-Spain, yesterday with the candidates in Monday's election. He also spoke about his decision during a meeting of the PNM leadership at the office of the political leader at Balisier House. Among those who attended that meeting were chairman Conrad Enill, general secretary Martin Joseph, deputy political leaders, Joan Yuille-Williams, Orville London, Nafeesa Mohammed and Dr Lenny Saith. Among candidates who attended the meeting were Diego Martin West MP Dr Keith Rowley and Point Fortin MP Paula Gopee-Scoon. The PNM was defeated by the People's Partnership by 29 seats to 12.
Enill told reporters following the meeting Manning advanced a plan of action for the future of the party. Asked to clarify Manning's plan of action, Enill said he felt it would be appropriate to make the details available to the party's General Council before making any public comment on it. He said the General Council is scheduled to meet tomorrow at 4 pm at Balisier House to discuss the plan. Enill said the plan was proposed by Manning and modified during yesterday's discussions. Asked if the party membership was likely to accept Manning's plan, Enill said he would answer that tomorrow.
He said no decision was taken to either accept or reject the plan at yesterday's meeting. "No, it's a Thursday issue." he said. Asked if the defeat signalled the end of the PNM, Enill said: "Of course not, the PNM is a very strong party. It has strong institutions in place. I think the particular election basically revolved around one man and what you see today is a reflection of that, rather than the reflection of the party. That's the reality." Manning has led the PNM since 1987.