Youth Arm Chairman says walk out confirms PNM MPs have no confidence in Opposition Leader
The actions undertaken by Opposition Members of Parliament yesterday to dramatically walk out and not participate in the Government’s Motion of No Confidence against Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Rowley has demonstrated and clearly indicates that they themselves have no confidence in their own Political Leader.
A Motion of No Confidence is a feature of Westminster system of government that requires a Member of Parliament to retain the confidence of the Lower House.
A Motion of No Confidence is a tool used to ensure that members of parliament can account for “disreputable conduct” while subsequently receiving the needed support to continue their political duties.
Thus yesterday’s motion provided the perfect opportunity for the Opposition leader and his Members of Parliament to dispel and dismiss the many issues of misconduct raised against him while showing full support for him as their leader. It also would have allowed for the PNM to present its vision to the nation. However, the actions of the Peoples National Movement suggested that they were unable to respond or defend their leader and consequently chose to “politically run from the debate”.
One must congratulate the Government on its attempt to have the Opposition leader account to the nation’s Parliament as in the past four years he has not only shown disregard for the office he holds but has managed to reduce the esteem of his position. As the leader of the Opposition one is expected to exhibit some form of class and diplomacy, while one is further required to motivate, appreciate and respect all members of the national community. However, his statements and actions of disrespect, negligence and disunity have proven differently.
For an individual that touts himself as the “Prime Minister in waiting,” he has yet again set a poor example for the many young impressionable people in our nation. The leader of the Opposition along with the Opposition are required to assess government policy while seeking to provide alternative policies, however based on their actions of relinquishing their duties of accounting to the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago they have shown that neither Rowley nor the PNM is fit for Public Office.
The Motion of No Confidence in the Opposition Leader can only be described as a success as it has literally left the Opposition speechless, and one must now question if indeed the Leader of the Opposition had the full support of his bench or the “walkout” was a coordinated attempt to prevent the PNM Political Leader from being embarrassed.
Sincerely,
Nicholas Morris
United National Congress Youth Arm
Chairman
710-2603