Opposition MP Dr Tim Gopeesingh told reporters that due to the circumstances of McDonald’s issues, she should “do the right thing and step down as MP.” He said the Opposition would call for her to do so.
His opposition colleague Dr Fuad Khan, however, said he didn’t see anything wrong with McDonald hiring her relatives.
Khan added, “I’m not giving you a politically correct reply, I’m giving you an honest reply—if her relatives were qualified, why should she discriminate against them and not hire them in the constituency office? Suppose she could not get the suitably qualified people?”
Khan said he hadn’t hired relatives at his office. But he said the Prime Minister had pandered to public outcry in dismissing McDonald “...the same as was done with former Port-of-Spain mayor Raymond Tim Kee.”
Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi, who said McDonald’s removal was a disappointment for him, admitted he was saddened by the situation since he had great affection for her. “My heart goes out to her,” he added.
Al-Rawi maintained the PM had acted “decisively” and that action reinforced what he’d said during elections about wrongdoing.
On whether the PNM might suffer a backlash from McDonald’s Port-of-Spain South constituency, Al-Rawi said McDonald had a very good reputation and he was sure she’d discharge her duties as MP. He said people had gone to the backbench before and continued to function as good MPs and he was sure she would also.
PNM officials, however, said McDonald’s future as PNM deputy leader is in Rowley’s hands since he is the one who appoints the party’s three deputies.
The other two deputies are Rohan Sinanan and Tobago leader Orville London.