With rumors running rampant of a possible return of former Prime Minister and FNM Leader Hubert Ingraham to frontline politics, current FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest weighed in on the possibility and said he takes the man for his word.
In an interview with The Journal, Turnquest said that he feels that Ingraham will remain retired as he has reiterated numerous times over the past several years.
“When it comes to Mr. Ingraham we must remember that he staked a career in being plain speaking.
“He coined the phrase I say what I mean and I mean what I say, he has indicated several times that he has retired from active politics.
“Certainly he has a very valuable role to play as a statesman and as a senior member of our party and we will take advantage of the talents and experiences he has.
However we can only take him at his word for the moment,” Dr. Turnquest said.
Turnquest also added the even though the party may seem divided, after the process is complete all FNMs will come together.
“The former prime minister sent out a statement calling for unification within the party following the next convention.
“It is the desire for all of us who are involved in these competitions to unite, we believe at the end of the day we’re all guided by a formal philosophy and common principles that unites us as Free National Movement members.
“We believe in our party, we believe in the philosophy and that’s what will be the rallying call for us as we move past this leadership contest.
“I believe once we have decided who will be leading us into the next general election, the party will rally around that person and we will unite in a common cause to defeat this Progressive Liberal Party and to rescue this country from the destructive path that it has been on for the last four years,” Dr. Turnquest said.
Leader of the Free National Movement Dr. Hubert Minnis also reiterated the need for unification within the party yesterday.
Minnis spoke with reporters outside the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Convention at the Atlantis Resort and said the party’s ultimate goal is singular.
“As a leader my responsibility is doing what is necessary to unify the party and get the PLP out and that’s what I would do.
“That party will be unified because the party has one focus and that is to rescue The Bahamas and remove The PLP.
“The Bahamian people have suffered long enough, four years going on five, how much longer will the Bahamian people continue to suffer,” Dr. Minnis said.
When prompted to respond to questions concerning the possible return of Mr. Ingraham Dr Minnis urged reporters to ask him.
Minnis also refused to answer questions in regards to the fate of the “Dissident 6” if he is successful in retaining his position at this week’s convention.
The 6 MPs consist of Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, Fort Charlotte MP Dr. Andre Rollins, Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant, St. Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman, Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn and North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly.
A team led by Butler Turner and recently sworn in FNM Senator Duane Sands is expected to challenge Minnis and Turnquest for the leadership positions at this year’s convention.
