Amid sexist rhetoric surrounding her bid to become the first female leader of the Progressive Liberal Party, Englerston MP Glenys Hanna- Martin says she does not think her gender has been a major hurdle during her campaign for the post.

Appearing as a guest on the Love 97 radio program “On Point,” Mrs. Hanna-Martin refuted notions that her being female was a major detriment to her campaign.

“Political dialogue maybe, but as far as the electorate, I don’t find gender to be a hurdle. I am a four term MP. I am now the longest serving woman in the history of the Progressive Liberal Party.

“ Women vote, men vote, I’m not sure about women who don’t support me, whatever their rationale is.   It can’t be because they believe a Bahamian woman can’t be Prime Minister; can’t be a minister of government. I can’t believe any mother is telling their daughter they have limitations in their human development .

“You must always incite the potential of your child male or female.

“I believe that I bring the experience. I’ve been in four elections; I’ve won my seat several times; I’ve held technical ministries,” Mrs. Hanna- Martin said.

Mrs. Hanna Martin also stated what prompted her to run for the leadership, citing a massive disconnect with the party’s base.

“It is the results of the election. It is our base which in quite a large that did not support us. This causes me grave concern.

“It appears some level of confidence is lost and we have to get that confidence back. The base can shift, but your base is your base; because your ideology begins there,” Mrs. Hanna- Martin said.

Hanna- Martin is set to take on PLP Interim leader Phillip “Brave “ Davis for the party’s top post at the PLP’s convention next week.