PM shocked over criminals in politics

THE Prime Minister says he is shocked that criminal conduct is no longer seen by some people as debarring them from being politicians.

He was addressing the crime rate in a television interview on Thursday.

Dr Rowley said he remains prepared to work with the Opposition and other stakeholders to find ways to curb crime.

"I always make that overture."

But he said since the PNM returned to office, the UNC refuses to cooperate with them to find bipartisan solutions to crime.

Recalling that he first entered politics in 1987 as an opposition senator, Rowley said he never thought he would be in the political arena with people "for whom criminal conduct is not a disqualifier."

He said it has gotten to the point where certain politicians see the country's success as the government's success, especially if they are in power.

Rowley also said no government can be efficiently run on the basis of "rampant populism."