Some FNM council members plan to block Hubert Ingraham’s return as party leader by citing constitutional issues.
At a council meeting today, anti- Ingraham delegates are expected to argue that a vote on the party’s leadership at council level would contravene the FNM’s constitution.
While some contend that, in extenuating circumstances, the party’s constitution allows for a vote outside of convention, others feel that with the convention only two months away this is not such a case.
Meanwhile, supporters of current FNM leader Tommy Turnquest are rallying behind him.
At Mr. Turnquest’s constituency headquarters on Thompson Boulevard yesterday, eight delegates who will be voting at the party’s November convention gathered to cast eight symbolic ballots, seven nullifying the votes of parliamentarians expected to vote against Mr. Turnquest and one to “tip the scales” in his favour.
The group said they wanted to register disappointment and “total disbelief” in the recent actions of the MPs, who have asked that Mr. Turnquest step aside for a possible return of Mr. Ingraham as leader.
“As we cast these ballots we cast them as symbolic votes for democracy, loyalty, decency, commitment and fair play. We wish to emphasise, Senator Turnquest is (the) duly elected leader of the Free National Movement who must be commended for a stellar job as party leader and deserves our full support and encouragement to continue to make us FNMs and indeed our great country proud,- said party executive member BJ Moss.
The delegates, however, stressed that this exercise and the debate surrounding the – leadership were not evidence of dissension within the party.
“In the history of all political parties there will always come a juncture where the leadership will be contested and the race ﾠwill be very hot. This is not a ﾠshow of disunity, it is merely accenting what is already in the Free National Movement,” said Kevin Harris, chairman of public relations.
In addition they said that if another person – be it Mr. Ingraham or leadership hopeful Dion Foulkes – were to be elected the next leader, he would have the group’s full support.
Their opposition was not so much toward Mr. Ingraham, they said, but the method by which persons were seeking to have him installed as leader.
“The FNM is historic in doing business in a very democratic way. We believe in democracy. If Mr. Ingraham or anybody else wishes to run for leader of the Free National Movement, meet us on the convention floor,” said Ricardo Smith, council member for Bamboo Town.
Despite the group’s action, there are 184 council members who will meet today to discuss the leadership and nearly 400 delegates who will vote come November.
The question remains – and it is one which can only be answered by time and circum stance: Can the electorate be inspired to support Tommy Turnduest in 2007 if he emerges as leader?
Yesterday’s grouping is convinced and contends that, despite the loss in 2002, Mr. Turnquest will be leading his party into an election for the first time in 2007.
“It is the view of the majority of Bahamians to get rid of the PLP and replace it with a team of people led by Mr. Turnquest to take the Bahamas to higher ground,” said Mr. Smith.
Source: Rubert Missick Jr, The Tribune
