Scathing words for President Paula-Mae Weekes have been made by Public Relations Officer of the Opposition UNC, Dr. Kirk Meighoo.

In response to the President’s call during Monday’s opening of the Parliament, for Parliamentarians on both sides to take their roles seriously, Dr. Meighoo, in a statement today, said President Weekes was “hypocritical” and “self righteous” in her comments.

“Indeed, in giving her self-righteous address to Parliament, the President sadly displayed a lack of all self-awareness. Apparently not understanding the role of a parliament in a democracy, she chastised Parliamentarians for not upholding the superficial forms of polite behaviour, not recognising that the substance of democratic debate necessarily includes vigorously standing up against oppressive laws and policies. This is the very heart of, and is the reason for parliamentary democracy,” the party said in a statement.

The Opposition accuses Her Excellency of allowing her office to be used by Prime Minister Rowley,  while maintaining that its own members are fulfilling their constitutional duties with great distinction.