Reader poll
Do you think Loretta Butler-Turner would make a good leader of the FNM?
- Yes, I think she would make a good leader
- No, I do not think she would make a good leader
257 total votes.
By NICO SCAVELLA
Tribune Staff Reporter
nscavella@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday formally announced her intent to run against current Leader Dr Hubert Minnis at the party’s convention next month.
Mrs Butler-Turner said that although she was “grateful” for Dr Minnis’ services, the government needs to be corralled by a “firm leader of the opposition who will keep both eyes on them inside and outside Parliament.”
Her announcement came days after she told The Tribune she had not made a decision on whether she would run for the party’s top post due to her “shock” at a snap convention called by Dr Minnis last week.
“The opposition cannot wait and run out the clock until the next election,” she said at a press conference at her home. “Given our constitutional role, we must be a more effective opposition today. I am running for leader because I believe that the FNM needs the quality of leadership that will attract more independent voters and young people, as well as a growing number of PLPs who are disturbed by the direction of the country today.
“The question of leadership today is not who is the best man for the job,” she added. “As Dr Martin Luther King Jr reminded us, it is not about the colour of one’s skin, but the content of one’s character. So too, the question of leadership today is ‘who is the best person for the job?’
“I believe that I am the most capable individual at the time to unite, to reignite and to lead the opposition in order to defeat a failed government.”
Last month, FNM insiders told The Tribune tension was brewing between Dr Minnis and his deputy over the likelihood that she would challenge him when the party holds its next convention.
The sources maintained that a “war” was escalating between the two, and said the apparent rift was not good for the party, adding that the tensions increased the need for an early convention.
Last week, FNM executives met in a last minute meeting and decided to hold the party’s convention on November 21, instead of early 2015 as originally proposed. Mrs Butler-Turner was in her constituency in Long Island at the time.
When she was advised of the purpose of the meeting, she sent Dr Minnis a letter which warned him that he was playing “a very dangerous game.” She later told The Tribune that had Dr Minnis “bothered to advise” her of the meeting, she would have informed him that it was not a good idea to hold a convention “on such short notice.”
The Long Island MP yesterday said her decision to go head-to-head with Dr Minnis came in response to “the call of many FNM’s and the call of Bahamians far and wide, young and old, and from throughout our country,” and after consultations with the FNM’s Constituency Association.
She also said the government is “out of control” and the opposition must be led by someone who can “mount an effective opposition to a ruling party that has put their own interests above that of the Bahamian people.”
Failed leader
“Prime Minister Perry Christie has given long years of service to the country, and I thank him for that,” she said. “But, he has led a government that has failed dismally to deliver on their many promises to the Bahamian people. He has failed to lead.
“I wish to offer a new style of leadership and a clear vision about our shared future. I wish to build within the FNM a strong, inclusive team and party. I seek to lead my party to office so that we may offer the Bahamian people real and credible change and a new direction.”
When contacted for comment on Mrs Butler-Turner’s announcement Dr Minnis would only say he had “no response.”
Mrs Butler-Turner did not take questions from the media after her announcement. However, updates placed on her Facebook page over the weekend foreshadowed the move and spoke of brewing “cannibalism” within the FNM’s base.
“My fight is not against us, our leader or any FNM it is for party and country,” she posted on Saturday. “Not long from now you will hear from me. In the meantime I shall watch from the sidelines as persons continue to try and get rid of me. I am not the enemy! We all have choices to make. Let us do it in the interest of what is best to take on our real enemy.”
In addition to the leadership race, the contest for deputy leader is also expected to be contentious. Sources within the FNM said that party Chairman Darron Cash, Deputy Chairman Dr Duane Sands and former Chairman Carl Bethel are possible contenders for that post.
Comments
Sickened 9 years, 6 months ago
You go girl!!! Best of luck!
Just do me a favour and continue to talk about the failed PLP and how you see yourself as the best option for leading the FNM and the country. Don't talk about Mr. Minnis' shortcomings. We all have shortcomings and you don't need to remind FNM supporters of Mr. Minnis'. You need to rally the troops behind you NOT AGAINST Mr. Minnis.
Honestman 9 years, 6 months ago
I whole heartedly agree with this comment and if Loretta fails in her bid, I trust she will get behind the elected leader.
EnoughIsEnough 9 years, 6 months ago
I absolutely agree with this commenter. She will have no credibility if she focuses on slandering Dr. Minnis and will do well to focus on the shortcomings of the PLP - that in itself could take us well past election time. The key is to remain professional and authentic and to set a tone different from the plethora of politicians that we are forced to listen to daily. Stand apart by acting apart.
TalRussell 9 years, 6 months ago
Comrade It seems you're expecting Loretta have some kind of respect her leader awakening the likes of which she has failed at practicing over past 2 1/2 years, if she loses her red party leadership bid.You have look deep see real Loretta.
reverendrichlive 9 years, 6 months ago
y'all gatta stop pickin' apart what Mrs. Butler said to pieces. Hear her heart. Mrs. Butler, your grandfather, SIR MILO and indeed, SIR LYNDEN, like me, would be proud of you...only ting is you in da wrong party. If dey don't elect you as leader, there is room in the great PLP for you. You my darling can be our first female PRIME MINISTER...I like Ms. Hanna too, so we'll see... Keep pushin' ahead, never mind the noise in the market, just mine the price of da fish. Y'all go talk da !
TalRussell 9 years, 6 months ago
Comrades I'm pretty fixed in my opinion this grab for the leadership is not going exactly as Loretta had expected. Appears Loretta's plans to have her red party rise up to demand the resignation of their leader Minnis, to then anoint her has now fizzled. Now, it's Minnis who is the one forcing Comrade Loretta to remove him from the helm of the red party's leadership, the old-fashioned way. He's stopping her dead in her tracks with secret "uninvited da red's leader" Palookaville, Abaco "Friends For Loretta" funny business and present yourself openly, if you wish to challenge me at convention. Comrade Loretta I have but only one question needing your answer. How in hell could the party's "governing council's decision" to hold the red party's November convention have been a "snap" decision that left you in "shock?" What in hell is snappy about calling a convention long past its 2-year due date, as "mandated" by the very red party's constitution you have solemnly sworn to uphold as deputy leader? Have you never read it?
leonardlaing 9 years, 6 months ago
The Best of luck Mrs. Butler-Turner am with you 100%
hurricane 9 years, 6 months ago
Miss Piggy
TalRussell 9 years, 6 months ago
I would question the leadership potential of Comrade Loretta for no other reason, why she has burned so many bridges with her own red party, going after Minnis from day one. If Minnis turns out, not be her main leadership competition, she will have wasted over 2 years of campaigning focusing solely on Minnis. My opinion is, neither Loretta or Minnis will be left standing, after final leadership votes are counted .at November convention.
Emac 9 years, 6 months ago
Good cause I still think Dr. DS is the man with the master plan.
Regardless 9 years, 6 months ago
The FNM must know choose from one whose primary occupation is healing people and the other who buries them.
GQ 9 years, 6 months ago
Regardless:
You are right on!
Loretta is just another loud mouth bag of wind which the FNM nor This country needs we have had our share of them now it is time to move to doers and not talkers.
If I had a vote it would be Minnis.
themessenger 9 years, 6 months ago
As a former constituent of Mrs. Butler-Turner I view anything she says with a healthy dose of scepticism as she, like the PM, is known for talking rather than doing. According to her she is "the most capable individual at this time to unite, to reignite and lead the opposition," this after giving Dr. Minnis a healthy dose of black crab syndrome for the last few months and spreading dissension in the ranks of her party." She also claims to have plans for "real and credible change and new direction." Haven't we heard this line ad nauseam from the PLP, FNM and DNA? Don't tell us, SHOW us these evolutionary plans to succeed where all others have failed.
TalRussell 9 years, 6 months ago
Some you influential red shirts need ask but one serious question the reds will face in 2017 - is not whether Comrade Loretta should be allowed to contest for the party's leader but whether the red shirts can win with her as your leader? If you wish stay in opposition it matters not what you do come November convention?
ThisIsOurs 9 years, 6 months ago
Oh Lord please send us a just and wise leader. I am humbled and on my knees crying out. I look to the north, south, east and west and there is no hope..."Loretta, Brave or Bran". Please send us a just and wise leader
TalRussell 9 years, 6 months ago
Feeling betrayed by her Leader Minnis
...........//https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQyOw...">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQyOw...
GQ 9 years, 6 months ago
"This is ours".....your answer is that the FNM currently has a capable leader just give the man an opportunity to show you what he can do..
ThisIsOurs 9 years, 6 months ago
I've seen enough..nothing against him, but he is not politically astute...he just isn't ready. I don't know what to say about the people who craft his "strategy"
abacogrouper 9 years, 6 months ago
Competition is healthy. Hopefully the Party will reunite and support the winner fully. May the best man ...eh, .... person win.
TalRussell 9 years, 6 months ago
Comrade AbacoGrouper you'd think someone told Loretta it was a contest to see who possibility could be elected as one of the most incompetent of Hubert's cabinet Ministers? She became Deputy Leader of reds and from all media accounts she has spent 2 1/2 years undermining her leader Minnis? Has Loretta worked along Minnis to pay off the millions of debt left behind by Hubert? Has she worked alongside Minnis to salvage a party left all but shipwrecked by the runaway Hubert? Exactly what has Loretta done for the reds that the focus was not about her? Sorry, these a real questions reds need be asking Loretta as to exactly what in hell as she been up to for the past 2 1/2 years? How can you be elected a national leader when your political base does not stretch - beyond Long Island or is it up in Palookaville, Abaco? Did i state everything correctly or did i fudge something? Try selling your record Loretta and just maybe Palookaville, Abaco will vote for you? Like Bran, Papa got you elected in Long Island and what now, without Papa?
sansoucireader 9 years, 6 months ago
Yes, they need to sort this out now so they can be a united front against the PLP (who are killing this nation).
TalRussell 9 years, 6 months ago
Just when I thought Minnis had grip things. Listening to Minnis "Doctor, Doctor this county is sink sick" campaign song and sure sounds like accent is Jamaican singing?
Well_mudda_take_sic 9 years, 6 months ago
Oh my! Dis news does lend whole new meanin' ta da need ta shrink gove'ment!!
John 9 years, 6 months ago
“The COUNTRY is controlled by LAWS> LAWS are controlled by POLITICIANS> POLITICIANS are controlled by VOTERS> VOTERS are controlled by PUBLIC OPINION> PUBLIC OPINION is controlled by the MEDIA (News, Hollywood, Internet...) & EDUCATION
so. whoever controls MEDIA & EDUCATION, controls the COUNTRY.” ― William J. Federer, Change to Chains-The 6,000 Year Quest for Control -Volume I-Rise of the Republic
banker 9 years, 6 months ago
The only reason why anyone would follow Loretta, is that they know that if they last as followers for an hour, they can guarantee that they will be eating.
John 9 years, 6 months ago
“A tongue, if used the wrong way, can cause serious injury or even death. Politicians are famous for misusing their tongues this way. However, tongues can also be cleansing agents, making the most of a hairy situation. Cats are masters at using their tongues in this manner.” ― Jarod Kintz, At even one penny, this book would be overpriced. In fact, free is too expensive, because you'd still waste time by reading it
John 9 years, 6 months ago
Here is an old tradition badly in need of return: You have to earn your way into politics. You should go have a life, build a string of accomplishments, then enter public service....” ― Peggy Noonan
John 9 years, 6 months ago
“Only one thing to it: a strong stomach. The guts to gladhand a man you're going to stab in the back; pledge allegiance to principles you stomp on every day; righteously denounce some despot in the press and sell him arms under the table. The talent to whip up the voters' worst passions while you seem to call on their highest instincts, and the sense to stay wrapped in the flag. That's politics: I'll take the simple life.” ― Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, Le Mariage de Figaro
pablojay 9 years, 6 months ago
She can't control her appetite, you think she can control a nation?
abacogrouper 9 years, 6 months ago
Let's grow up people.... stop the references to eating habits and weight. It adds nothing to the argument or discussion.
hurricane 9 years, 6 months ago
And what exactly did your post add to the 'argument or discussion'?
duppyVAT 9 years, 6 months ago
The comments about LBT physical traits are bad taste. Has there been any obese male leaders in the world? No-one mentions that the saviour of Britain during World War 2 was a short pudgy man name Churchill. Let's leave her weight out of this argument. In terms of her LEADERSHIP capacity LBT has the ability to LEAD the FNM and this country hands down at least as good as what we had and probably far better than any of the other party proteges.
Regardless 9 years, 6 months ago
You are comparing LBT to Churchill. The ignorance of this comment astounds!
Greentea 9 years, 6 months ago
the ignorance of your statement astounds- the comparison duppyVat was making did not address accomplishments but girth and the tasteless manner that LBT's weight is being used to denigrate her. packaging does not determine one's mind. LBT has the right to be judged on her merits not her weight.
duppyVAT 9 years, 6 months ago
If Loretta gets all of the Long Islanders support in the FNM she wins hands down
ThisIsOurs 9 years, 6 months ago
Why will they support her? Because she is female? Because she is from Long Island? Those are really poor reasons to choose a leader who could one day be prime minister.
pilgrimagerock 9 years, 6 months ago
Very well said.
Emac 9 years, 6 months ago
Why stop the trend now? Poor reasons have always been the norm for selecting leaders of this country.
ThisIsOurs 9 years, 6 months ago
Why? I dunno, I'm thinking as poorly as this administration has performed, looking to the horizon and the choices we have, worse is yet to come
John 9 years, 6 months ago
Loretta's grandfather used his weight to his advantage when he was in politics: He use to go into The Royal Bank of Canada, main branch, on Bay Street and thrown himself on the counter and demand the bank hire more blacks. By the time they had rounded up enough police officers to lift him off the counter the bank had to be shut down. Then was it A.D. Hanna who complained of discrimination when he and Sir Milo had to be physically removed from the House of Assembly. A.D. said they sent six police officers for Sir Milo but only two for him.
ThisIsOurs 9 years, 6 months ago
Erratic behavior. Yes she's shown us she us well capable of that.
John 9 years, 6 months ago
Least we forget: The BUTLER family served this country and was involved in politics for over 50 years. They are generally frugal and hardworking people, who struggled to obtain dignity, equality and respect for the majority Bahamians in this country. Most importantly, during the more than half of a century the family was involved in politics, they have not been linked to any major scandal or acts of wrongdoing. Mrs. Loretta Butler-Turner is as qualified as any other Bahamian to head the FNM, as is Mr. Hubert Minnis and once the race for leadership is over the party should unite and prepare for the next election.
duppyVAT 9 years, 6 months ago
LBT & Pintard + FNM rump + Renward + Doc Rollins + Greg Moss + Bran = 2017 victory?????
SP 9 years, 6 months ago
If everybody got behind BLT, you still won't be able to "see" anybody behind BLT!
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