Manning, Patrick Augustus Mervyn (1946– )

Trinidadian centrist politician, prime minister 1991–95. Manning took over leadership of the People's National Movement (PNM) after corruption scandals and a crushing electoral defeat in 1986 ended the party's 30 years in power, and led the party to victory in 1991. After suffering a mid-term dip in popularity, as unemployment and crime levels increased, the economy improved and Manning called a snap election in 1995. However, he failed to gain a majority, enabling the United National Congress (UNC), led by Basdeo Panday, to form a new coalition government with the Tobago-based National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR).

During his early political career, Manning served under prime ministers Eric Williams and George Chambers in a range of cabinet posts between 1978 and 1986, including that of energy minister 1981–86.

At the disastrous election of 1986 the PNM lost all but three seats in the house of representatives, Chambers being among those defeated. Winning the 1991 election with 22 seats, the PNM maintained the largest share of the popular vote in 1995, but fell two seats short of an absolute majority.

Manning studied at the University of the West Indies, and originally worked as an oil refinery operator, before entering politics.