Panday not moved by Yetming dissent

However, speaking to reporters during the teabreak, Panday indicated that Yetming may have a political price to pay.

"Democracy has one good thing; it allows the rank and file to observe the leadership and how people behave when they pursue power, and that is how parties are changed and are purged from time to time," Panday said, in response to whether bickering in the party would strengthen the PNM. He said in the aftermath the party would be stronger since the "rank and file" will know whom they can, and must trust.

In an interview in yesterday’s Newsday, Yetming said Panday no longer commanded his respect, confidence or support. Yetming criticised Panday, saying the Opposition Leader encouraged and participated in vicious and insulting attacks on those involved in the UNC internal election. He said Panday had a moral obligation to write to President George Maxwell Richards indicating that Dookeran (whom Panday had endorsed for the post of Political Leader in the UNC elections) commanded Panday’s support in Parliament.

Commenting on Yetming’s pronouncements and if any action could be taken by the party, Panday said, "In our party people are free to speak (unlike the PNM of course). But when they speak they pay for it by the electorate. They are the final arbiters in matters."

Asked if Yetming would be a UNC candidate in another General Election, Panday said Yetming’s actions may be viewed as "something that they ought to take into consideration."

Panday was nonchalant about Yetming’s move to the back bench, saying, "It’s a free country, isn’t it?"

He said stepping down as Opposition Leader was not his decision to make, and Yetming should know this was dealt with by Section 83 of the Constitution. Panday said the UNC executive has called a meeting of the winners and losers to take place tomorrow. A retreat will also be held "where again all members of the executive, parliamentarians meet again on the healing process."