EDITORIAL - The unfortunate manner of Ms Porteous' ascension

It is the habit of our politics to elevate its former partisans to high state where they are expected to stand above the factional fray as representatives of the national whole.

Usually, those who do best in their new assignments are those whose appointments come after a decent period of disengagement from their original posts, allowing them to enter their new jobs with a reasonable sense of non-partisan detachment. Although this is not always the case. For instance, Mr Carl Rattraycontroversially left Mr Michael Manley's Cabinet as minister ofjustice directly forthe presidency of the Court of Appeal, where he served with great distinction, delivering decisions that helped to advance the cause of Jamaica's jurisprudence.

In that regard, Sally Porteous could turn out to be an excellent custos for the parish of Manchester. However, this newspaper remains uneasy with the route and pace that have been mapped out for her to journey to that post.

The custos of a parish is the representative of the governor general. The person so appointed must be a justice of the peace (JP) and a leading citizen of the parish, the latter of which Ms Porteous clearly is of Manchester.

Up to earlier this week, however, she was not a JP. She was a governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) member of the Manchester Parish Council representing the Mandeville division. In the last general election, she was her party's candidate for the Central Manchester constituency, and until recently, remained the JLP's caretaker/candidate.

Unusual speed

This week, Ms Porteous stepped down from political posts as a prelude to being catapulted into the position of custos of Manchester to succeed the retired Dr Gilbert Allen. At the direction of the justice minister, Delroy Chuck, she had a quick-fire swearing-in as a JP.

Many JPs and other leading citizens of Manchester have aired their disquiet over the developments. Mr Chuck insists that his action is not influenced by politics. Ms Porteous dismisses the concerns and asks to be judged by her performance.

But they, too, must see how this looks. Certainly not pristine.

Given the regard we have for Ms Porteous, we would have preferred she did not come to this high office in such a controversial fashion. But maybe, as she suggests, time will offer vindication.