By Vernon Daley, Staff ReporterPRIME MINISTER P.J. Patterson yesterday declared this to be his last election race. He added that he would make an exit during his next term, if his party is re-elected in the upcoming general election.
At the same time, Mr. Patterson was emphatic that he would not get involved in identifying and grooming anyone to succeed him as president of the ruling People's National Party (PNP).
"(I'll step down) during the course of the next term," the Prime Minister said, while addressing The Gleaner's Editors' Forum at the newspaper's North Street offices, downtown Kingston.
Mr. Patterson, who turned 68 in April, said he has served in politics at various levels since the age of 23 and now wanted to get away from competitive politics.
"Apart from anything else, I think I've earned the right to enjoy some of the useful remainder of my life, free from the pressures and tensions of political office," the Prime Minister said.
He added that the party has a programme of renewal to ensure that fresh faces are constantly thrown up for leadership and that it had attracted a cadre of committed and skilled young people who are prepared to deal with the challenges of governance.
Turning to the question of his successor, the Prime Minister said there was a pool of persons in the party who are capable of assuming leadership whenever he leaves the political stage. "They are not only qualified for succession but have the capacity to ensure that the traditions laid by Michael Manley and inherited from Norman Manley...will be continued," he said.
The Prime Minister, however, stated that he would not get involved in selecting his successor.
"I've been looking at recent cases where leaders have tried to hand-pick their successors, everyone of which have resulted in disaster. I don't intend to follow that course," Mr. Patterson emphasised.
According to the Prime Minister, his approach is to ensure that all those who have aspirations to lead are exposed to the experience that is required for them to assume the role of Prime Minister. After that, he said, it is for the party to choose who it thinks will make the best leader.
At least three persons are regarded as contenders for leadership after Mr. Patterson departs. They include National Security Minister, Dr. Peter Phillips; Tourism Minister Portia Simpson Miller; and former Water and Housing Minister, Dr. Karl Bylthe.
There is expected to be a keen tussle between Mrs. Simpson Miller, who challenged Mr. Patterson for leadership of the party after Michael Manley stepped down in 1992 and Dr. Phillips who has built up a reputation of being a performer.
