NATION NEWS
Leadership challenge in PNM
Published on: 5/8/08.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Deputy political leader of the ruling People's National Movement (PNM), Ken Valley, has called for the removal of Prime Minister Patrick Manning as the party's head and has also suggested that dismissed trade and industry minister Dr Keith Rowley mount a challenge for the leadership.

"We need a new political leader," said Valley during a television interview aired on Monday.

Valley, who was among a number of ministers not selected as candidates to contest last November's general election, said it was necessary for a challenge to be taken to Manning during the June 28 and 29 convention of the party.

Last year, Valley warned the population about a "creeping dictatorship" under Manning and during his interview warned that the party must intervene in the ongoing situation if it intended to remain in power.

"When one gets a feeling of invincibility, of arrogance, then that is the time the party must take stock," Valley said, adding that he was not disappointed with the PNM but saddened "by its political leader".

He added that he had no intention of seeking a position in the party and said he would "most likely be managing a good campaign".

Valley said that Rowley, who was dismissed from the Manning administration last month, had a "historic responsibility" to challenge Manning for the top leadership post.

In 1996, Rowley mounted an unsuccessful campaign to oust Manning as leader of the PNM. (CMC)