Latest update August 17th, 2026 10:20 AM
Oct 06, 2008 Letters
DEAR EDITOR,
I was very disappointed with the SN headline: ‘PNC reprimand leadership challengers,’ and the opening paragraphs of the story.
This introduction is, as is often the case on PNC issues, misleading and gives the impression that disciplinary action was taken as a result of the named persons mounting a challenge for the party leadership.
This is a blatant lie and misrepresentation of the facts, since disciplinary action was taken due to the manner in which the challenge was conducted. This is a distinct and separate issue. However, as usual, the story is given a different slant by the manner in which it is written.
There have been many other persons who have put themselves up for posts in previous elections, and the positions have been hotly contested. The difference with the ‘challenge’ mounted by Mr. Alexander and his group was the very public campaign, which did not confine itself to attacking the incumbent leader, but the party as a whole. The actions included, but were not limited to:
1. ‘Press conferences’ by the group, which give the impression they were running for a Presidential nomination and hence trying to reach the public at large, rather than PNC members who have voting rights
2. Open criticism of the party to the public at large
3. Frequent leaks to the press of private matters discussed at the Central Executive level.
I would not go on to outline the more subtle ‘gossip/rumour’ campaign employed. In addition to all this, there was a public display of disrespect to the leader and the party members at the congress.
This conduct could never be in the best interest of the party, and one questions whether these persons genuinely wanted to contribute to the development of the party, or further damage it.
Challenging leadership is not new anywhere in the world, but I know of no political party in the world which would allow a member to take any action which damages the party as a whole. These challengers are not novices in the political arena, and therefore must have been aware of the political climate at the time, and the fact that the party faces serious challenges.
They should examine their consciences and see whether, in retrospect, their actions added anything positive to the development of the party.
S. Lincoln
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