ATTORNEY Larry Lalla, SC, says Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar does not want to win the April 28 general election but remain in her current post for life.
He claimed this is why Persad-Bissessar has chosen "a band of degenerates" to field as candidates and these people will ensure she remains opposition leader when the UNC and its "coalition of interests" lose the election.
In contrast, Lalla endorsed Prime Minister Stuart Young as the leader TT needs at this time.
Lalla, a former UNC member, made these comments as a surprise speaker at a PNM public meeting in Exodus Pan Theatre, Tunapuna on April 5.
In February, Lalla resigned from the UNC, expressing his disagreement with the direction the party was taking under its leader, Persad-Bissessar.
Wearing a red shirt with the PNM's logo on it, Lalla said "It is clear that she is not well."
He referred to Persad-Bissessar's speech at a recent Eid-ul-Fitr event in Princes Town, where she announced Barry Padarath would contest the Couva South constituency instead of standing for re-election in Princes Town.
"It is either that she was very unwell or that she was inebriated. Neither of which is good for the country should she become prime minister."
Lalla reminded PNM supporters of stories about Persad-Bissessar's tenure as prime minister from 2010-2015.
"We have heard the stories about her work ethic and discipline or lack thereof...about the four-day weekends and not getting to the Office of Prime Minister until the afternoon."
Lalla wondered if Persad-Bissessar was like this ten years ago, how would she be now.
He also wondered if the UNC were to win the election, who would lead the government if something were to happen to Persad-Bissessar.
"Barry? David Lee? Khadijah (Ameen)? (Davendranath) Tancoo? Take your pick"
PNM supporters replied "No" to each of these names.
Lalla said, "There is no way you can be satisfied that entity called the UNC and that pickup side of degenerates that Persad-Bissessar has put together can be trusted to run your affairs for the next five years."
He claimed, "She has put together that slate of persons loyal to her...removing solid people like Rushton (Paray) and poor Anita (Haynes-Alleyne) so that when she loses, she can remain as opposition leader till death.
Lalla said, "Well I plead with you to grant her, her wish and make her the opposition leader on April 28."
He recalled his involvement in the UNC under its founder Basdeo Panday and his belief in that party's philosophy.
Lalla recalled when the UNC lost the September 7, 2015, general election, he became concerned about the direction the party was taking under Persad-Bissessar since 2015.
He said this is why he contested several UNC internal elections in the hope of returning the party to its foundations.
"I have been campaigning for change in the UNC."
Persad-Bissessar, he continued, stopped being interested in winning elections since 2015 and became more interested in her political self-preservation.
Lalla said this was evident in
