McClean lauded by both sides

Hector McClean was a controversial figure, Prime Minister Patrick Manning noted yesterday as he paid tribute to the former Speaker of the House of Representatives. Manning said McClean was a difficult person. “We all knew his personality and it didn’t take long for difficulties to emerge between himself and the Prime Minister (Eric Williams.)” Manning recalled that he too had his problems with McClean when he was Opposition Leader and McClean was Speaker in the UNC-controlled Parliament. “But subsequent events showed that he rose above partisan considerations,” the Prime Minister said.

The PM said the staff of Parliament and Members on both sides of the House knew McClean was not an easy person. But they also knew that whether he agreed or disagreed with you, he had the courage of his convictions and he always stood up for what he believed. Manning, who said he shared a close relationship with McClean, recalled that he was one of two ministers present at his (Manning’s) wedding. He said as Works Minister, McClean was responsible for the construction of an excellent baggage room at Piarco, and also insisted that engineers at the ministry of works be competent and as a result, the first phase of the Priority Bus Route, which was recognised as world class, was constructed. “My wish is that he finds favour with Almighty God and that his soul rests in peace,” the PM said.

Deputy Speaker Hedwidge Bereaux, who recalled that he paid the supreme price under McClean’s tenure as Speaker when he (Bereaux) was ejected from the chamber, said McClean knew how to disagree without being disagreeable. Stating that McClean enforced the rules and standing orders as he saw them, Bereaux said, “He was a man. Nobody’s boy.” Bereaux, who said he knew McClean for a very long time, reflected on McClean’s distinguished life, citing the many labels he carried — barrister, attorney-at-law, Speaker, judge of the Industrial Court, a gentleman and a friend. He noted that McClean, whose movement away from the PNM in the Parliament was the catalyst for the Crossing of the Floor Act, returned to support the PNM in his later life.

“He did whatever he did because he thought it was correct,” Bereaux said. Opposition Chief Whip Ganga Singh said McClean, as Speaker, gave the Opposition (PNM) great latitude, fostering a democratic spirit in the Parliament. Singh said McClean summed up his own position this way:- “Let the Opposition have its say because at the end of the day, Government will have its way.” Noting that his tenure as Speaker was controversial from its inception (when he was the first defeated candidate to be elected to that position), Speaker Barry Sinanan said McClean did not have an easy time in that post.