Alienation away from the tribe

The virtues of maximum leadership may now seem nostalgic to the membership of the UNC who despite everything may still vote tribally and with surprising effect.

Mr Dookeran’s tenacity is un-laudably futile, and his own best act of loyalty to the party would be to step down and attempt to garner popularity that may yet be possible but not from where he now straddles. In politics, one needs as much brains as belly to lead. And wisdom shows that unpreparedness for orchestrated elevation does not an effective leader make.

Mr Dookeran would be welcomed in every other party and may well receive elsewhere the appreciation his followers desire for him. It is clear that his continued tenacity merely serves to fragment Mr Panday’s legacy.

Unfortunately, Mr Dookeran’s aspirations were not self inspired. He became the puppet for the agenda of others. Those who had hoped to use him are leaving for other pastures. His own minority support will continue to clamour for him if he stays, but will not follow him into alienation away from the tribe.

Resisting the executive will further degrade Mr Dookeran and add to his humiliation. Resigning from his emasculated post may restore some dignity and show that office means nothing to him.

Mr Dookeran must take an objective look at the current impasse and make a reasoned decision free of emotion and ambition.