The Editor, Sir:

Prior to the 2007 general election, it was felt by some in the People's National Party (PNP) that the best hope for a fifth term was to have Portia Simpson Miller as president.

I think it is sad that greed for power was given pre-eminence over what was best for the party and this nation. Mrs Simpson-Miller may have certain magnetism with the Jamaican people, but does she have what it takes to pull the party together, and to lead?

Indecisiveness

I was rather optimistic when she became prime minister in 2006, but was soon disappointed after her handling of the Trafigura scandal.

The next instance was her lack of decisiveness in setting a new date for the 2007 general elections following its postponement after Hurricane Dean.

There are many other instances but another reason I think Mrs Simpson Miller should go is her populist approach to certain positions. After the Vale Royal talks on crime, she and her party gave the impression that there was consensus in the discussions. Then when criticisms began to mount, she opted to change her position.

As a country struggling to survive, we cannot afford to have a weak Opposition.

I must say though that I blame our politicians on both sides of the fence for the position in which the PNP now finds itself.

They have not encouraged our people to vote on issues, but on trivialities, like personality. Fun and joke aside, we need a real leader for the PNP and Portia ought to go.

I am, etc.,

J. Bartley

Kingston