By Gerrino J. Saunders
Bahama Journal News Editor

The Free National Movement has a deep bench and will win Killarney and the
government in 2026 despite the current rough patch the party is going through in
terms of eliminating and selecting candidates for the 2026 general elections,
according to party leader Michael Pintard.
Mr. Pintard’s comments came as he made a long-awaited announcement with
regard to the future of former Prime Minister and former party leader Dr. Hubert
Minnis within the FNM during a recent press conference at the party’s
headquarters. The event drew almost 6,000 face book views compared to 72 likes
at the time of the writing of this article.
Mr. Pintard began the press conference expressing the Official Oppositions
“worries” about the behaviour of Prime Minister Philip Davis and his
administration with regard to a number of decisions they have made in recent times
and their actions since taking office.
However, the question as to whether or not the party would nominate Dr. Minnis in
Killarney for the 2026 elections dominated the question-and-answer period of the
conference.
Mr Pintard revealed that he met with Dr. Minnis and asked him to serve the party
in another capacity other than as a candidate.
He admitted Dr Minnis did not say if he agreed or not. “No he did not say that he
agreed to step down. In fact it’s not about stepping down, we still have time left in
this administration and we fully expect all of our of Parliamentarians that truly love
their constituents would have continued to serve their constituents until that time
ends.
“He did say that he would consult with his family. We have not heard back from
him save and except through emissaries and the party must do what we must do,”
said Pintard.
At this point in the press conference Mr. Pintard was asked if the party is united at
this time. A question to which he himself did not answer as party members and

supporters interjected and gave a near two-minute-long applause while chanting
“FNM FNM!”
Meanwhile, Dr Minnis has hinted at running in Killarney whether he gets an FNM
nomination or not. Mr Pintard expressed confidence the FNM will retain Killarney
with or without Dr. Minnis.
He said, “we respect every member of any organization that feels as if they wish to
run in a national election, they have a right to do so. The FNM intends to put forth
39 candidates and we fully expect that we are going to be successful in all of those
constituencies including Killarney.
It was pointed out that there are supporters of Dr. Minnis that have stated
publically that they do not agree with the decision not to give Dr. Minnis a
nomination and could very well withdraw their support for the party.
He responded by saying the decision was not his, the deputy leader or the
chairman’s decision to make but a decision made by the party executive branch and
council.
He explained it is important that anyone representing the FNM going into the next
election must have a commitment to be intimately involved with the caucus
whether that’s the parliamentary caucus or the executive.
He said, “those persons who are not minded or are unable to consistently
participate and make a contribution, or whose message often times we are unaware
of what’s the nature of it is or it does not dovetail with what we are attempting to
do, they put us in a very difficult position.” It is believed he was referring to the
actions of Dr. Minnis.
Pintard warned that there are other things he could say to further cement his
argument, but that he would refrain from saying those things for the time being but
reminded that the party is prepared to say more if necessary.
However, he said, “we believe we owe someone who has served this organization
as leader and this country as Prime Minister a debt of gratitude and respect; so we
have asked that he serve in a position that he can uniquely serve in as an elder
statesman to help guide this organization.
“We have a deep bench and any number of persons who have demonstrated interest
will be able to continue his legacy in Killarney and do a remarkable job as we keep
Killarney in the winning column,” said Pintard.

He said the party has met with the Killarney constituency association and raised
some of the concerns in regard to Dr. Minnis and his lack of support and
participation in party functions and meetings.
He said, “we did not want to in any way make any determinations without hearing
their voice. Their voice is important to us, they are a part of this family.”
Mr. Pintard said he intends to meet with the Killarney constituency association
once again. As for the initial meeting held recently he said the party has a “clear
indication that we will enjoy the support of the association executives, and even
more importantly we will enjoy the support of the people of Killarney.”
Mr. Pintard also wanted to make it clear that there is no feud between himself and
Dr. Minnis. He reminded that he served under Dr. Minnis for nine consecutive
years, and that all he is asking for as the current party leader is the same respect
and support.
He said, “when you are in charge you should reasonably expect the support of
those persons who are in your organization, publically and privately, and to have
message discipline and to be integrated in the meetings that we have so that we are
on the same page as we present a vision for the future, those are not unrealistic
expectations.”
Mr Pintard reminded that before the 2017 general elections the FNM lost seven
sitting Members of Parliament but was still able to go on and win the elections.
“And that is why we tell people do not be distracted even if there is a tiny group
who are well resourced and voices aloud, by the grace of God we will still prevail,”
said the FNM leader.
Dr Minnis was expected to make a communication in the House of Assembly this
week but that did not happen.