Lawyers representing former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Basdeo Panday in his appeal against a conviction for failing to declare a foreign bank account to the Integrity Commission contended Tuesday that the Trinidad and Tobago government had an interest in the former leader’s prosecution.

English Queen's Counsel Richard Clayton, who along with Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj SC, is representing Panday in the appeal, said the United National Congress (UNC) political leader was a former prime minister and Leader of the Opposition and the matter therefore had political significance.

"The convictions relate to allegations which had significant political ramifications during the 2002 general election. As a result of the conviction and sentence, Mr. Panday is disqualified from remaining a parliamentarian, which again has implications for the general election to take place later in the year," Clayton said.

Lawyers representing former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Basdeo Panday in his appeal against a conviction for failing to declare a foreign bank account to the Integrity Commission contended Tuesday that the Trinidad and Tobago government had an interest in the former leader’s prosecution.

English Queen's Counsel Richard Clayton, who along with Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj SC, is representing Panday in the appeal, said the United National Congress (UNC) political leader was a former prime minister and Leader of the Opposition and the matter therefore had political significance.

"The convictions relate to allegations which had significant political ramifications during the 2002 general election. As a result of the conviction and sentence, Mr. Panday is disqualified from remaining a parliamentarian, which again has implications for the general election to take place later in the year," Clayton said.

Maharaj argued that after the Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nicolls met with Attorney General John Jeremie, he later returned and imposed the maximum sentence on Panday, gave him no bail and he lost his seat and his office because of the maximum sentence imposed.

He said Mc Nicolls never disclosed to either party that he met with the Attorney General before handing down his decision.

Mc Nicolls sentenced the UNC leader to consecutive two-year jail terms on three charges for failing to declare the bank account he and his wife, Oma, held at the Natwest Bank in London for the years 1997,1998 and 1999.

Also appearing for Panday are Ravi Rajcoomar, Anand Beharrylal, and Mikela Panday. British QC Sir Timothy Cassel and Senior State attorney Wayne Rajbansee, represent the State.

The appeal is being heard before Justices Margot Warner, Ivor Archie, and Paula Mae Weekes.