EDWARD Seaga formally tendered his resignation as an MP and leader of the opposition yesterday and was hailed by the governor general for his “great contribution to Jamaica” during his 43 years in the House of Representatives.

Later, with Prime Minister P J Patterson, both men reaffirmed their mutual respect and cordial relationship despite, at times, seemingly insurmountable differences.

But in between the at times stiff formalities and too stilted, if not scripted dialogue, there emerged spontaneous gems – like the revelation that Seaga and House Speaker Michael Peart are cousins. Which would also makes the opposition leader a cousin of environment minister Dean Peart.

“The Speaker is my cousin,” Seaga quipped shortly after being ushered into Peart’s Chambers to deliver his resignation from the House, which becomes effective on January 19.

That was a fact, Seaga said jokingly, that supporters of his own Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and Peart’s People’s National Party (PNP) would prefer to keep hidden.

Apparently both men trace part of their ancestry to a family named Heron from a place in Scotland called Wigton, to a little district by the same name in southern Manchester, Jamaica between the districts of Restore and Rose Hill.

“If you go to Wigton, you can see the name Heron on several of the graves there. We go way back,” Peart remarked.

“We are one of the originals,” Seaga responded.

The meeting then became more formal, although there were periods of levity and reminiscences, especially on the part of Seaga, who overall, will have spent more than 45 years in the legislature.

“What I am here to do today is to hand you my resignation, which will be effective next Wednesday,” Seaga said.

“It’s been a long time.” he added, recalling that he first became a member of the Legislative Council in August 1959.

“That was the year I took my Common Entrance Examination,” Peart responded.

Earlier in the day, Seaga began his round of farewell visits with a stop at King’s House, the official residence of the governor-general, Sir Howard Cooke, the head of state and the person to whom he had to resign as Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition.

There have been more than a few spats between these two former political adversaries in their time. And even since he has been in King’s House Seaga has aimed a barb or two at Sir Howard.

There was little evidence of that yesterday. Just two elderly men who had seen a lot in their time and perhaps have grown to respect each other’s positions.

“I’ve wanted to have a long talk with you before you made this decision, but we never did get together,” said Sir Howard, the elder of the two. “I know you have so much to offer the young people in this society and I don’t think there is anyone better able to do so. But I am glad you will be going to the university.”

Seaga, 75 in May, will be appointed a Distinguished Fellow in the School of Graduate Studies at the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies.

It is an appointment, he told Sir Howard, to which he is looking forward.

“I hope the students will appreciate it,” said Seaga. “There will be the occasional lecture.”

Students, from time to time, come to his office for information, Seaga explained.

“And you know, I like working with young people in sports, culture and education. I also have a backlog of stuff that I would like to deal with and I will have the time now.”

When they could be heard again the conversation seemed to have shifted to politics, or perhaps Jamaica’s development.

“We are a great country with a great past,” Sir Howard was saying.

And Seaga was replying about his anxiety to record “our political yesteryear, because it was not always like this”.

All this was before the formalities and reporters were ushered out to be invited back some minutes later for the photo shoot.

Now, there was a certain stiffness. The governor-general and the opposition leader.

“My most honourable friend,” intoned Sir Howard. “I am aware of the great contribution you have made to this country, and I am happy that you will be able to help us understand the evolution of our country.”

Seaga: “Thank you very much. It has been my pleasure working with you..”

Both men shook hands. Seaga looked a little sad as he prepared for the short drive next door to Jamaica House for the courtesy call on Prime Minister Patterson.

Instead, it was a reporter who cried. Seaga pulled his handkerchief, helped her wipe away the tears then gave her the handkerchief.

Next stop: Jamaica House. A warm “Hi” from Patterson as he greeted the opposition leader and his wife, Carla. The cabinet secretary, Dr Carlton Davis, and Patterson’s permanent secretary, Charmaine Constantine, were there.

There was a brief awkward silence until Mr Seaga got things going.

“Well, I just paid a visit to the GG and tendered my letter of resignation as leader of the opposition, effective January 19, and to express my appreciation to him, and to say thanks for the good relationship that we have enjoyed over the years..” he said.

“Despite our seemingly insurmountable differences, we have had a cordial relationship.” he added. It was difficult to hear more.

Patterson piped in: “I want to recognise your contribution to the legislative agenda, government and the nation, and I would like as PM to express my personal appreciation and best wishes.”

Reporters now had to leave.

When the two men emerged from the meeting room Patterson was asked about his fondest moment dealing with Seaga, against whom he has fought many political battles.

“Save it till next Tuesday,” he replied. That is when there will be a formal send-off in the Parliament for Seaga.

Later in the afternoon was the meeting at Gordon House, the Parliament building between the cousins with ancestors in Scotland, at a place called Wigton.

When Seaga started, parliamentary sessions used to be held in the old Georgian building next door called Headquarters House.

“I have a lovely photograph that has been given to me of the house in session at Headquarters House,” he told Speaker Peart, or, as of yesterday, cousin Michael.

Seaga remembered the time at Headquarters House when the then education minister, the late Edwin Allen, clashed with an opponent and had to be restrained outside.

Seaga had praise for Peart’s conduct in his role of speaker.

“Thank you for the balance of judgment that you have brought to this position,” he said. “It’s been a learning experience for everyone.”

Peart praised Seaga’s contribution to the legislature and the level of debate he brought to the House.

“I would like to confess that that is something that I wish the newer members would be trying to emulate.” said the speaker. “There is work to be done.”

Could Seaga remember how many times he had attended sittings of the House as a member? this reporter wanted to know.

“One thousand, seven hundred and twenty, minus the Senate,” he said. “Sorry I could not make it to 2,000.”

Seaga again looked a little sad.