Saying that his announcement will undoubtedly come as a disappointment to some people, Montagu MP Brent Symonette yesterday announced that he will not be running for leadership of the Free National Movement during the partyﾴs November convention.
He said the decision came after considerable thought.
“It is my intention to fully and actively participate in the review of the leadership of the FNM, but not as a candidate for the post of leader,” Mr. Symonette explained Wednesday during a press conference at his East Bay Street office.
“I have given the matter considerable thought and would like to thank those persons from all walks of life who have wished me well and encouraged me to run for the leadership. I know that this announcement will disappoint many people. I am fully aware of this and trust many of my well wishers and supports will appreciate and respect my decision.”
Despite his decision not to run for leader, Mr. Symonette made it clear that he is not ruling out the possibility of running for deputy leader “at this time.”
He also confirmed his intention to again offer himself as a candidate for Montagu during the next general elections “should the constituency association so wish.”
This is not the first time Mr. Symonette has turned down the opportunity to run for the top post in the FNM.
During the FNMﾴs last convention, the Montagu MP dipped out of the race, reportedly in the interest of party unity.
According to Mr. Symonette, the party needed more time to recover from defeat at the polls during the May 2, 2002 elections.
Revealing very little yesterday, the Montagu MP said there are a number of reasons for his decision this time around, many of which will be discussed in the coming months.
“I have taken into consideration the views and hopes of many people who have called me and asked me to run and I trust that as time unfolds the reason for my decision will become very apparent,” he said.
Mr. Symonette, a white Bahamian, told reporters that his decision had “no bearing whatsoever” on the colour of his skin.
He has said that any Bahamian should feel free to run for the highest office in the land, irrespective of his or her colour, religion or political beliefs.
The leadership race is expected to be the highlight of the partyﾴs upcoming convention.
The race so far will be between the partyﾴs present leader, Senator Tommy Turnquest, and former deputy leader, Dion Foulkes, who said he is offering a more aggressive style of leadership than Mr. Turnquest.
The pair, once dubbed the dream team, won the FNMﾴs leader and deputy leader positions during the run-up to the 2002 general elections.
FNM Chairman Carl Bethel said recently that he will delay his decision on whether to run for leader while he attends to certain party business.
According to Mr. Symonette, all of this serves as a signal that the FNM is undergoing a process of reviewing the leadership of the party.
He said the process will continue into the November convention and perhaps even after it.
Senator Turnquest has continuously fought off claims that the FNM leadership is in crisis. Instead, he has assured that all is well in the party.
Meanwhile, the former Member of Parliament for Marathon Algernon Allen, while he has been approached to once again enter the leadership race, has indicated that he has no interest in seeking the leadership of the FNM.
Mr. Allen said that he has not been attending any official meetings of the party.
Macushla N. Pinder, The Bahama Journal
