"By the end of the week, they'll all be hugging up," that was one UDP politician's prediction on Tuesday, and that's what it was in the Cabinet today or almost. The day started with two new ministers: Ainslie Leslie and Mike Espat taking the oath of office from the Governor General. They join Assad Shoman who was sworn in as a Senator, and a Minister yesterday. Shoman assumes the Senate seat of Therese Rath, an ally of Mark Espat and Eamon Courtenay. She was made to resign as one more casualty of the G7's daring play to remove Ralph Fonseca.
And today those G7'ers assumed their usual seats in Cabinet with so called ringleaders Mark Espat and Eamon Courtenay sitting right across from Ralph Fonseca, who despite his demotion, continues to flank the Prime Minister. The meeting lasted just over an hour, as no substantial business was discussed. After the turbulent weeks of resignations and hardballing, the Ministers were asked to reaffirm their commitment to the Cabinet code of conduct. The Prime Minister also addressed the 15 other members of Cabinet, stressing the importance of collective responsibility.
That was about it for today, and the real bloodletting is expected to begin next week Tuesday when Cabinet meets in regular session to discuss the Social Security Board's many dubious money maneuvers. At that meeting, Cabinet members will also review central government's accounts. Those sessions may prove graphic, and we take it that Kleenex tissues will be kept handy for the faint of heart.