And while the Musa administration struggles to find balance in the shifting sands of internal political unrest and external fiscal imbalance, the UDP is again getting a free ride. Still, it's unclear if that free ride leads to a land of political fortune or just a place that gives the opposition that fooling feeling that victory is automatic. But today Opposition Leader Dean Barrow wasn't talking about what it does for the UDP; instead he was clear on one thing: the changes don't help the PUP in any way.
Dean Barrow, Opposition Leader
"In terms of public perception and public support, the government loses far more than it gains by this move. In the end it is all a matter of confidence and that nobody will have confidence, any renewed confidence, in the prime minister as a result of this move. Certainly Mark Espat and Eamon Courtenay were seen as being a key part of the Cabinet subcommittee that was supposed to be in charge of financial and political overhaul. With their ouster and with what clearly now has to be seen as the dismantling of the Group of 7, there is going to be an ever greater credibility gap that the prime minister and indeed the administration will experience. Public support for whatever it is that needs to be done is critical; and this lessens rather than increases the public support."
Jules Vasquez,
Will you be looking out to reach out to these people and offer them some sort of ascension within the UDP, some sort of place within the UDP to ensure your electoral success in two key city divisions?
Dean Barrow,
"I think it's far too early to think in those terms so I'm going to withhold comment. We need to, if not have the dust settle, get some sense of what the reaction of those that have been fired will be and I certainly would need to consult with my party before I can even think along the lines of the question you asked. So for the moment I would go no higher than saying on our part it's a matter of wait and see."
Jules Vasquez,
But it is not completely unforeseeable?
Dean Barrow,
"Well in politics all options always remain to be considered."
