Opposition Leader brushes aside ‘senior citizen’ talk

Leader of the Opposition and President of the New Democratic Party (NDP) Arnhim Eustace has brushed aside the statement by founder of the New Democratic Party (NDP) Sir James Mitchell, that he, Eustace, is a senior citizen.{{more}}

The statement made by 80-year-old Sir James in an interview with Jerry George, which was aired on Sunday, May 29, implied that Eustace will be too old to lead the NDP into other General Elections after losing on three previous occasions.

But Eustace lashed back last Sunday evening, claiming: “I don’t think for instance that I’m feeble. I think my brain is functioning pretty well and those who hear me speak, especially when I have to deal with matters pertaining to this country, the economy and so on, I think they know that I have the competence to deal with the matters that concern [us] as a people.”

After promising the nation to respond to Sir James’ controversial statements, Eustace allowed Jerry George to interview him in a broadcast, aired on NICE Radio last Sunday evening. The Opposition Leader used the opportunity to discuss concerns about his age and him being able to offer much more to the Party at 66.

“There are a lot of very senior citizens who are also talking on this matter, who are much older than me. …I am 66 years old; the Prime Minister of this country is one year and 10 months younger than me; it’s not a big difference. It’s less than two years age difference. He has already expressed the view that he is going for a fourth term. I don’t see what is the difference. There are many leaders in the world today who are much older than I am,” said Eustace.

Sir James had said he didn’t want to be a Prime Minister at age 70 and he recommends that Eustace should follow the same stance.