By Azard Ali

Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj returns from London next week Wednesday and speculation is rife that he is likely to work with the Manning administration. Newsday learned that Maharaj, the ex UNC Attorney General who fell out with former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday, is to be given a position of special advisor to the Government. He was first expected to be the PNM's special prosecutor, but this has since been denied by the party.

Hints of a post for Maharaj who broke ranks with the former UNC administration and forced political leader Basdeo Panday to call a general election, surfaced at Manning's media conference on Thursday.
Asked if Maharaj is to play a role in the PNM administration, Manning replied: "What!! you want to know if Mr Maharaj is going to be the Special Prosecutor...the answer is NO."

Manning however chided this reporter for not probing the question further, saying: "I see you didn't probe the question further." Manning then brushed off with a smile the question as to what role, if any, he has for Maharaj in his Government.

Maharaj is on vacation with his family in London. A close source to Manning said that Maharaj will advise the government on procedure in the light of the hung Parliament.

The PNM source said that in light of the gridlock situation of an 18-18 House of Representatives, Maharaj's expertise will be utilise on how the PNM administration is to proceed in the parliament.

Maharaj, Newsday was told, will also take on the role of general adviser to all Government ministries. Newsday was told also that Maharaj, who on his return plans to open an office in Port-of-Spain, has spoken to Manning from London about his appointment by President of the Republic Arthur NR Robinson.

Maharaj formed his own political party, Team Unity, and campaigned against UNC corruption in the 2001 general election. He identified a number of Government projects which were allegedly tainted with corruption.