Dionne Rose, Staff Reporter
PORTIA SIMPSON Miller's victory as president of the People's National Party (PNP) and Prime Minister-designate, has not shaken the confidence of members of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
The Opposition is still confident of a win in the next general election, which is constitutionally due next year. But political pundits are indicating that Mrs. Simpson Miller's ascendancy to the leadership post might just cement the PNP's fifth term in office.
"I do not see her popularity as a big problem, the whole Government has lost popularity," said Pearnel Charles, JLP Member of Parliament for north central Clarendon. "I don't know that within the next 15 to 20 months she will be able to make that difference."
Mr. Charles pointed out that there were still issues that the PNP administration needed to address such as crime and corruption.
NOT TAKING WIN LIGHTLY
Meanwhile, Shahine Robinson, shadow spokesperson on Local Government said the JLP was not worried about Simpson Miller's victory.
"Because anyone who had won, we would have to face them (in the next general elections). I doubt that there is due concern," she said.
It is however obvious that the JLP is not taking this win lightly.
When contacted yesterday, the party's information spokesman, Senator Dwight Nelson said the matter would be thoroughly discussed at the party's Standing Committee meeting, which was held last night.
Political analysts however believe the Opposition should at this moment be putting its house in order.
"The Jamaica Labour Party does have need to be worried, if their aim is to win the next election," said political analyst Professor Brian Meeks. "All the recent polls show that Portia Simpson Miller is the most popular."
Professor Meeks said there were other important issues which could have a negative impact on her standing at the next election. These include the national budget, which will be presented within weeks, the crime problem and the economy.
GOOD ELECTORAL MOVE
Lambert Brown, trade unionist and political commentator said Mrs. Simpson Miller's victory was a good electoral move made by the PNP's delegates.
"It is going to be difficult (for the JLP) to beat her but it is not insurmountable," he said.
Mr. Brown however cautioned the Opposition to be extremely careful in their political campaigning. He said if they make the mistake of portraying her as intellectually incompetent, as did the Phillips' campaign team, they would lose public ground.
