Manning screened

The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Patrick Manning, has demonstrated his seriousness about calling a general election by being the first candidate to be screened by his party.



Mr. Manning has been insisting that he plans to call elections soon, more than two years ahead of the deadline.



Sceptics have called the Prime Minister\'s bluff, suggesting he is playing a game with the fractured opposition.



Mr Manning has given no indication as to when he will make the announcement of a date.



However, he has reiterated that general elections will be held and soon.



Mr. Manning\'s popularity has been falling in the polls amid claims from opponents that his government has been squandering funds.