MSJ on return of Jack, Gary to UNC: 'Political opportunism'

Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) political leader David Abdulah said the inclusion of former UNC chairman Jack Warner on the UNC platform on Monday evening was “political opportunism and manoeuvring.”

He said the party was trying to recreate an old formula which had fallen apart.

Warner joined UNC Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar and National Transformation Alliance (NTA) leader Gary Griffith during a UNC/NTA rally at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya on Monday, where he said saving the nation required all of them to work together.

He said he would be joining the UNC and would disband the ILP.

Speaking to Newsday on Tuesday, Abdulah said the previous formula was 13 years old and had fallen apart.

“Both Warner and Griffith were fired as national security ministers by Mrs Persad-Bissessar. That should tell us a lot, so it really is a type of political opportunism of people perceiving an opportunity to get back in political office, that is all it really is.

He's doubtful this alliance will lead to the defeat of the PNM at the local government polls.

“I don’t think it would give the UNC greater success in the election. It’s a bit like two types of Carnival, one is about bacchanal theatre and entertainment, and one is about serious issues, and that platform was really about entertainment and political theatre.

"It might galvanise some of the hardcore supporters of the UNC to come out and vote, but it's not going to convince the majority of people in the country to change their political position.”

Abdulah said people on the ground were fed up with entertainment politics and did not see it as bringing about real change.

“They see it as more political manoeuvrings of people who bad-talked each other coming together. People want politics that has integrity, vision, and shows real concern about the lives of people, and all of that on Monday had nothing to do with improving the lives of people, it was entertainment.”

In a release, the ILP said it was time for the party to join the UNC to fight for a TT where the people can feel safe again, where food is affordable, and where health care saves lives.

“The warm welcome, love and support received on Monday night was breathtaking. This morning we continue to receive calls and messages from people who are immensely pleased with our decision and are pledging their support, reaffirming their commitment to contribute towards this common goal.”

The release said the next step would be to call a meeting of the membership and dissolve the ILP so that the membership would be free to become members of the UNC.

SUBHEADING:

Political analysts: UNC trying to energise voters

Political analyst Bishnu Ragoonath said if the membership and leadership of the UNC believed Warner was an asset to them, they would now try to maximise the benefits of such an alliance.

“We are going into a local government election, which has traditionally had a low voter turnout.

"If Warner’s presence on the UNC platform can excite more people to come out to vote for the UNC, then they would have achieved their objective. If Warner could get his party the UNC to excite more of its dormant members to come out and vote, especially if there is a low voter turnout, it should give the UNC a fighting chance in the election.”

Political analyst Dr Indira Rampersad said the UNC, in partnering with the NTA and bringing Warner back to the party, seemed to be trying to appeal to the broadest base possible.

“I think they are trying to energise the party, and I think they succeeded on Monday based on the size of the crowd and the response to Warner. "He was given a hearty welcome by UNC supporters. I think there were more than 1,000 people there, and it was more energised than some of the previous meetings, so I think Warner is bringing something, and he will also bring some votes.

“I can’t say how many, but he also had a following, some who had fallen out of the UNC and gone to the ILP may come back and there are others who belong nowhere but are supporters of Warner who may also come towards the UNC, so in that sense, and I think this is also the strategy, it can improve the fortunes of the UNC.”

Rampersad said she believes the Opposition realised it needs to practice a policy and politics of national unity.

She said the prevailing theme at Monday's meeting was mending fences.

"They’re trying to bring the forces together because history has shown the only way the UNC can win is through alliances, so whether it’s an official collaboration or not, at least through engagement and collaboration with other forces.”

She said she found it interesting that the UNC has embraced Griffith but said it seemed to be part of the same unification strategy.

“I think they’re in a winning mode, I’m not saying they’re going to win, but they’re in a winning mode in the sense that they’re not leaving any stones unturned this time, and they’re just trying to court as many factions as possible.”

Rampersad said although the upcoming election was for local government, it was assuming the proportions and dimensions of a general election from the campaign.