Political chest-thumping
The conventions of political parties are, naturally, occasions for chest-thumping. The People’s National Movement’s convention last weekend was no different, with PNM Political Leader Patrick Manning boasting of the stability of the party and giving a full listing of the Government’s plans to battle crime, improve education and health, expand housing, diversify the economy and so on. However, the list mostly checked off what the Government intends to do. But there was a notable lack of a coherent vision, or plans for fundamental reforms of the society. The accomplishments listed by Mr Manning in housing, health and education have more to do with an energy-rich Treasury than skilled management by the Government. But even in the midst of the hyperbole, there seemed to be certain hints that the PNM feels itself under siege. Mr Manning spent a goodly portion of his address excoriating the Opposition United National Congress, which on that same Sunday was holding a forum on "Ethics, Unity and Politics." Mr Manning made much of the fact that the PNM had no infighting like the UNC, and he listed the corruption controversies that had occurred under the UNC’s tenure, such as the airport scandal, the InnCogen deal, the desalination plant, and the dog rice issue. But that list was highlighted partly to offset the fresher issue of corruption charges brought against PNM chairman Franklin Khan, who at the 11th hour had stepped down from his post. Indeed, the day before, PNM vice-chairman John Donaldson started the convention by spinning Khan’s absence as proof that the PNM always "set the template for good behaviour for persons in public life." The political truth, however, is that the PNM’s image is exactly the opposite, even though Mr Manning’s handling of the Khan matter, and before that the Landate allegations involving Housing Minister Keith Rowley, may be the start of an image change. What is perhaps significant here, though, is that the PNM clearly believes that integrity is an issue that will sway voters in the next general election. That is partly why, with Winston Dookeran as the official UNC leader, Mr Manning made sure to emphasise the ongoing conflicts within the Opposition party. It may also be why Mr Donaldson characterised fledgling political parties as one of the several challenges facing the incumbent PNM. These "ghost parties," as Mr Donaldson labelled them, were, he said, characterised by non-disclosure of membership, agenda, and finances. This last is a rich irony, however, since the major political parties have never been upfront about their financing either. The PNM, as far as the public is aware, does not have a bank account — instead, funding of the party’s activities, including the last convention, seems to happen through back doors. But why should Mr Donaldson be concerned about parties which, by his own label, have no substance? The only sensible answer seems to be that the PNM’s leaders believe that voters are sufficiently fed up with both major parties to be open to a third force — an interpretation lent weight by Mr Manning’s continual hints of an early election. To be sure, it does not appear that any of the fledgling political organisations which have recently appeared are geared to win significant votes — Mr Donaldson is correct to note their coyness about membership, since they don’t have any save for their few frontline spokespersons. But the PNM administration’s failure to rein in crime, and the UNC’s infighting, could well provide an opening for a well-organised, well-funded third party with a clear agenda. And all the chest-thumping in the world won’t win over those floating voters who want better from politicians.
Comments
"Political chest-thumping"