THE war of words over the death penalty continued yesterday with Attorney General Anand Ramlogan describing the Opposition's position on the "hanging bill" as illogical and untenable.

In a statement to the media yesterday, Ramlogan reiterated a call by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for the People's National Movement (PNM) to clarify its position on the issue.

He said during the debate in Parliament on the Constitution (Capital Offences) Bill 2011 in February last year, several Opposition MPs not only contradicted each other, but found it impossible to reconcile their party's declared support for the death penalty by objecting to the Bill.

Ramlogan's criticism of the Opposition on the issue followed remarks made on Wednesday by Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley explaining why he did not respond to two letters sent by Ramlogan in April and June last year seeking the Opposition's position on the implementation of the death penalty.

Rowley described the letters as mischievous.

He said the Opposition had articulated its concerns with the Bill during debate in the House and even made a recommendation.

"We waited on the Government to come back to Parliament, as recommended, giving support to this measure that we limit the time available to anyone to go to these (international human rights) bodies and have the clock run out and escape the hangman's noose," Rowley said.

"The Government has done absolutely nothing with respect to our recommendation and our commitment to support."

Ramlogan said yesterday Rowley "continues to demonstrate his lack of class and unsuitability for high public office by reason of his refusal to acknowledge, far less, meaningfully respond to the letters. ..."

Rowley's response, he said, underscores his ignorance on a serious and important matter.

"To assert that the major objection, as outlined in MP Marlene McDonald's contribution, was the categorisation of murders, (as obtains in the US) is impertinent and nonsensical.

Ramlogan said Rowley's statement that the Opposition has no further role in the matter is a startling abdication of the PNM's political and constitutional responsibility to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. See Page 8