Manning ‘speechless’

Prime Minister Patrick Manning yesterday suddenly developed a speech impediment when asked about the resignation of former Minister of Labour, Lawrence Achong. Reporters had twice tried to question Manning, both before and after his attendance at a function where he had given the feature address. The Network of Women’s NGOs held an awards ceremony at Crowne Plaza. Upon his arrival he glared at reporters, and refused to stop, saying: “Please, please! We have a function to attend.” The event lasted three-and-a-half hours, after which reporters asked him again. Despite giving a speech for almost 15 minutes, when he was again approached afterwards by reporters, Manning suddenly had problems talking. Maintaining his stride through the group of reporters, he coughed twice and pointed to his throat to indicate that he had difficulty speaking.