Jack, bow out graciously

The verdict’s in: we love Jack Warner to death, or, we love to hate him. But are endearing qualities all that’s needed for holders of political office? What about morality in public life?

A whirlwind of unmitigated allegations of corruption surrounds Mr Warner and other FIFA officials and, as such, I don’t believe the Prime Minister was left with any other alternative but to accept his resignation.

Even if he doesn’t get party approval and decides to run as an Independent, would those who love him to death be willing to cast aside the ethics and principles we demand of our public officials for the love of one man?

I don’t believe Mr Warner’s a disgraced politician. He is not guilty of corruption of T&T’s taxpayers’/Government funds, or nepotism, bribery, or any of the punitive offences associated with other disgraced politicians of the past. Mr  has proven himself a great performer in all his ministerial capacities and perhaps one of the best representatives of the people in the history of T&T politics. But corruption is corruption and Mr Warner cannot escape the implications of allegations levelled against him.

I am sure those who love him would hope he bows out graciously while he still can, and not put them in the awkward position of having to choose between the man they love and what’s best for their party and country. There is a grave possibility that even if he retains his Chaguanas MP seat, he could be forced to step down depending on the outcome of the investigations.

History is replete with public officials who bowed out amiably instead of having to face their imminent demise.

Roland P Joseph

San Fernando

Express