If there is to be any by-election in former prime minister Patrick Manning's San Fernando East constituency, a replacement is already being suggested — his wife, former PNM government minister Hazel Manning.

Manning suffered a stroke on January 23 and has since been hospitalised at the San Fernando General Hospital.

He is unable to speak clearly or move unassisted.

On Friday, House Speaker Wade Mark said a request on Manning's behalf for leave for a period of 90 days will be granted for continued illness.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had also confirmed that $600,000 was approved by Cabinet to send Manning for treatment at the Walter Reed Hospital, Washington. Manning is expected to leave some time this week.

Party sources told the Express yesterday that Manning's recovery was slowly taking place and this would impact on his ability to perform as he did before and represent the people of San Fernando East.

Sources said that the constituency executive did meet and there was growing support for Hazel Manning to continue representing the people of that area.

Patrick Manning is the longest-serving member of Parliament, representing San Fernando East since 1971. His wife, Hazel, entered the political arena after the 2001 general elections as a PNM Senator. She has served as Education Minister and Minister of Local Government.

While Hazel Manning is already receiving support, sources say at the moment she is devoted to seeing her husband recover.

"It is too early to tell, but she (Mrs Manning) is already getting a tremendous amount of support," said a source.

It is not the first time that the State approved funds for the medical treatment of former prime ministers — the same was provided for ANR Robinson and Basdeo Panday.

Leader of Government Business, Dr Roodal Moonilal, told the Express yesterday that Government will look after its former leaders. He said Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is a compassionate person and saw it as proper conduct to accept a request for assistance to Manning.

"Mr Manning, whatever might be said of him, he has given the majority of his adult life to public service, so too has Mr Panday. When they have retired and are out of Parliament or the highest office, I think that it is fitting that Government continue to have regard for them," said Moonilal.

"Mr Manning is my member of Parliament so I feel robbed that he's not there," said Moonilal.