The Editor, Sir:

The internal struggle has caused the People's National (PNP) to lose the election. That party continues to be divided as the Jamaica Labour Party got together and united for the victory. Because of internal haggling, the right candidates were not fitted for some seats, thereby resulting in a lukewarm acceptance by electors.

The party president, Portia Simpson Miller, is to blame for the disunity. She should have learned from P.J. Patterson when he defeated her in his bid to lead the party. Instead of uniting all PNP supporters behind her, she was overconfident, wearing her personal colour right up to election and thereby encouraging her supporters to do the same. This was a slap in the face to persons who supported the other presidential candidates. She campaigned as if it was Portia's party and a vote for the PNP was a vote for Portia.

Mrs. Simpson Miller and the people who advise her grossly miscalculated the electorate. Had she called the election right after her party's internal election, she might have gotten away with that strategy. After the aura had worn off and she made a few speeches, then persons from the middle class, the core support of the party, started thinking, is this person ready to lead?

The next leader of the PNP will need to take a closer look at the P.J.-style of leadership if they want to get this party back in power.

I am, etc.,

OPETON MARSHALL

PO Box 292

Opegeorge@cwjamaica.com

Runaway Bay