Amid fresh reports that there is a move afoot to pave the way for the return of former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, Free National Movement Leader Tommy Turnquest said on Tuesday that he has spoken to his former leader who has assured him that he has no plans to seek the party’s top post again.
In a telephone interview with Jeff Lloyd, the host of the Love 97 programme, “Issues of the Day” Mr. Turnquest insisted that he intends to again offer himself as leader of the Free National Movement at the party’s November convention.
When asked whether Mr. Ingraham is trying to make a comeback, Mr. Turnquest replied with a quick, “no”, adding that that is was what the former prime minister indicated to him.
“I was a loyal disciple of Hubert Ingraham while he was prime minister,” Mr. Turnquest said.
“I believe I had his support when I ran as leader. I ask and continue to want and appreciate his support now that I am leader of the party and going into the next elections. End of story.”
Mr. Turnquest’s comments followed a parliamentary meeting with FNM House Members – North Eleuthera MP and Leader of the Official Opposition Alvin Smith; High Rock MP Kenneth Russell; Lucaya MP Neko Grant; South Abaco MP Robert Sweeting and Montagu MP Brent Symonette – at his Dowdswell Street office on Tuesday afternoon.
A source close to Mr. Turnquest – who wished not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter – claimed that during the meeting, the MP’s asked Mr. Turnquest to step down, pointing out that based on the sentiments expressed across the country, the party can only win the next general elections with Mr. Ingraham as leader.
But Mr. Turnquest reportedly saw things differently, insisting that he will not relinquish his position as leader to Mr. Ingraham. It was a sentiment he reiterated during the talk show.
“I do not intend to reveal one iota of what was discussed with my members of parliament during that meeting. Any meeting that I had with any members of my party ought to remain [private],” Mr. Turnquest said.
“I [can] confirm that I did meet with them and I thought the meeting went well and everyone spoke frankly. But in response to what has been read, I was elected leader of the FNM and I continue to be the leader and in six weeks’ time, we will have another national convention at which time I intend to stand for the position as leader of the Free National Movement.”
He indicated that Bahamians need a leader with qualities he possesses.
“I have a passion and a vision for this country. I believe that the country needs and demands new dynamic leadership and direction with a focused plan on making life better for all Bahamians,” he said.
“I believe that Bahamians want a kinder, gentler Bahamas. They don’t want someone who is only just a rabble-rouser, but someone who is able to go out there, get the job done and do so for the betterment of all Bahamians. I believe that I am still that person.”
Mr. Turnquest reminded that anyone in the FNM has a right to offer for any position in the party.
So far, only former party deputy leader, Dion Foulkes, has announced his intension to challenge Mr. Turnquest for the party leadership.
During Monday’s parliamentary meeting, Alvin Smith also voluntarily offered to relinquish his position as official leader, it is understood.
“It has always been my position since I entered politics that I would always make decisions that are in the best interest of my party and the country,” he told The Bahama Journal.
“If my stepping down can facilitate bringing in someone else who can take the party to newer heights and solidify the leadership, I would.”
Meantime, Mr. Turnquest said ongoing questions about his ability to lead the FNM into the next general elections and talk about Mr. Ingraham’s possible return to the leadership do not shake his confidence.
“I am human and anytime someone repeatedly says something negative against you, obviously it affects you and is something that any human being would not like to happen,” he said.
“But I am surrounded by some wonderful people – my wife, children, my parents, siblings and extended family and FNM supporters.”
The MP’s are expected to again tackle the issue during the party’s council meeting on Thursday.
The council comprises all of the arms of the FNM including party stalwarts, constituency representatives, members of the Torchbearers Association and Women’s Branch.
“The MP’s will most likely ask the council to support them come Thursday,” said the source close to Mr. Turnquest. “As opposition members, they have a right to change the party leader.
“Any reasonable person would say if the masses feel this way, we should give this thing a second look.”
Some political observers suggest that Mr. Ingraham will need an orchestrated stage to return since he wishes not to engage in a leadership battle that is likely to prove both divisive and brutal.
Mr. Ingraham could not be reached for comment on Tuesday, but he has in the past refused to make any statements in response to ongoing speculation that he may seek to return as leader of the FNM.
The Bahama Journal reported several months ago that a special committee Mr. Turnquest appointed to look into the way forward for the FNM also recommended that he step down.
That committee was chaired by former Deputy Prime Minister Frank Watson.
By: Macushla N. Pinder, The Bahama Journal
