The UDP, tonight they are no closer to being united or effective as an opposition - after a High Court judgement yesterday which was a split decision for Shyne Barrow and Tracy Panton. But, the judgement has divided the party even more, by emboldening Shyne Barrow, the leader who resigned and then returned.
And that's because he is vindicated in his central claim that Tracy Panton's October 20th convention was invalid. That was the court's clear finding.
Today, at her press conference, Panton, flanked by her party colleagues accepted the judge's decision:
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition
"The judge indicated that I was not lawfully expelled from the party. And he also indicated that we made some procedural missteps, where it related to the 20th of October, convention. And as a result of that the convention is deemed constitutionally invalid."
"We made a misstep. We recognize the decision of the judge and we will respect it, but we will move this party forward."
Jules Vasquez
"You said there were procedural missteps, but the entire undertaking was a misadventure, ill advised."
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition
"I completely disagree with you on that matter, Jules. October 20th brought together the base of his party. It brought together the decision makers of this party It brought together in record numbers because you were there, the supporters of this party who have a right to have a say in how the parties affairs are handled."
"It was crystal clear in the votes in the count of that vote, 334 to 13 that the base of this party and decision makers of this party and the supporters of this party who came up in record numbers, wanted to be heard. And so, in my mind, it's certainly achieved that."
Jules Vasquez
"So it was, in effect, a glorified rally."
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition
"No, I did not say that. I said it created a forum, a platform for the movers and shakers in this party, the people from the grassroots of the base to have a say in their party's affairs."
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