The Editor, Sir:

Peter Phillips' challenge to Portia Simpson Miller to become president of the People's National Party (PNP) encourages one to question his ability to make sound decisions.

It is especially so, because it was done at a time when the party and the leader were gaining ascendancy in the polls.

What he has done seems more like a pressure-driven action, rather than a rational decision, from someone of his presumed level of intellectual competence.

Managing hostility

Peter's stated motive, "the need for change" cannot be accom-plished outside of the party.

So, the overriding question should have been: Can the party withstand the trauma of a divisive leadership struggle, given the experience of our recent past?

If so, who will manage the forces that would likely be unleashed in a tit-for-tat atmosphere in response to the show of ill-will shown to the current president?

There is a lot of hostility out there that will speak to the effectiveness of the PNP as a force in Jamaican politics in the future.

The net effect is that one of the contestants will be pushed to the margin and the supporters of the marginalised candidate will be difficult to control and motivate.

I am, etc.,

OSMOND E. WELSH

ossiewelsh@cwjamaica.com