The Free National Movement (FNM) remains united despite facing a number of challenges, said St. Anne’s Member of Parliament Hubert Chipman yesterday as he brushed off questions about a possible rift in the party between the its leader and deputy leader.

FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner revealed this week that Party Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis did not want her to be his deputy.

Those comments awakened long existing speculation that the two were at odds.

This speculation has been further fueled by Mrs. Butler-Turner’s admission that she will seek the party’s leadership position at the next convention.

Mr. Chipman said while he was unaware of Mrs. Butler-Turner’s claims, it is unfortunate that the matter has become public knowledge.

He also maintained that while the party is facing some challenges, there is no infighting happening.

“I can’t speak to whether Dr. Minnis wanted to her as a deputy or not Tuesday was the first time I heard it and I was kind of surprised to hear that,” Mr. Chipman said. “To say that we have in fighting –there are challenges the FNM presently is facing that I think we can overcome in short order.”

Mr. Chipman said what is happening within the FNM is no different from what happens in every political party and he said that party at present fully supports its leader.

“I think we have to be careful when go to the public or say certain things on the radio or television or wherever it is,” he said. “Like the PLP and the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), the FNM is no different. Nobody’s talking about the infighting that is going on within the PLP for the leadership of that party and what I understand is that they have postponed their convention and what does that mean. We are having our convention within the first quarter so I think we’re all experiencing challenges right now.”

Mrs. Butler-Turner and FNM Deputy Chairman Duane Sands have both stated their intention to run for leader of the party.