Do not underestimate Patrick Manning. Although he is no longer at the helm of the People's National Movement (PNM), the former prime minister is someone to watch.This is the view expressed by political analysts who have described Manning's return to centre stage as expected. His decision to remain silent after the May 24 general election, analysts said, can bee seen as a strategy.
Dr Bishnu Ragoonath, political scientist and senior lecturer in government at the University of the West Indies (UWI), said: "One must not forget the former prime minister is an experienced politician. He remains someone to be wary of in the politics. All politicians have one agenda and that is to get into power and stay in power."
Manning broke his silence and stole the spotlight during a stinging contribution in Parliament two weeks ago, where he alleged the private residence of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was worth $150 million. Persad-Bissessar has since dismissed the allegations as "mischief."
But according to Ragoonath, Manning would continue to be seen as a force to be reckoned with because of his experience and blunders by the new party leader, Keith Rowley.
He said: "Rowley has responded badly to several issues since assuming the role of leader of the party. He has found himself in a tight space attempting to clear the name of the PNM given all that has surfaced, but it is not being handled properly at all."Expressing a similar view is political scientist, Selwyn Ryan who said Manning cannot be underestimated.
"Mr Manning cannot be trusted at face value. He is using a strategy to recover centre stage with the assistance of the media," said Ryan."He was waiting for the right moment to return to the spotlight. It is not unusual for politicians like him to just go off stage because it can be very painful. "He definitely has a strategy up his sleeves."
–(AGS)
