Branville McCartney formally accepts PM's debate offer

Branville McCartney

As of Tuesday, March 31, 2015

By NICO SCAVELLA

Tribune Staff Reporter

nscavella@tribunemedia.net

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney has formally accepted Prime Minister Perry Christie’s call for a public debate between the country’s three political leaders to determine who is best suited to run the country.

In a press statement yesterday, Mr McCartney said not only did he accept the challenge proposed by the Progressive Liberal Party leader; he said the DNA would also be willing to sponsor the debate.

Last Thursday, while speaking at the College of The Bahamas’ journalism programme, Mr Christie urged students present to challenge him, Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis, and Mr McCartney to a public debate so they could determine who is the better of the three.

It was at that forum that Mr Christie, in expressing his disdain for some members of the local media, controversially said of journalists who criticise his leadership capability, “to hell with them.”

“Indeed, I look forward to the debate being held at the College of The Bahamas prior to the end of May 2015,” Mr McCartney said yesterday. “The Democratic National Alliance has advanced the need for public debates since 2012, the year of the last general election. In light of this, the Democratic National Alliance would be willing to sponsor this debate.”

Last week, Mr Christie lashed out at calls from some in the media for him to resign. He said these critics were not in the trenches with him when he won eight consecutive elections, and stressed how grave a responsibility the media has to report truth so their audiences understand the information.

“(Journalists) presume that the position they are in gives them the right to say what exists and what doesn’t, but the devil is a liar and it is important for you as students to be able to have your leader’s ear and don’t be scared,” Mr Christie said last week.

“Bring Minnis here, bring Branville here, Christie here and say ‘tell us what you believe in,’ and make your judgment. Ask questions, see who has a command of the country, who understands where the country ought to be going and who could speak to those issues.”

Mr Christie added: “Their judgment as to whether I’m doing my best, to hell with them. It’s the people with the power, people whose aspirations are for a better way of life for themselves, and their children. You have the right to believe what you believe, to write what you believe. I must respect you for that. But respect me for what I’m trying to do.”

Mr McCartney subsequently chastised Mr Christie’s comments, stating that Mr Christie’s damnation of reporters were symbolic of the Christie administration’s lack of respect for democracy.

asiseeit 9 years ago

PLEASE! Let the people listen, after all it is "the people with the power"!

proudloudandfnm 9 years ago

Tribune do you have to give this egomaniac space?

TalRussell 9 years ago

Comrades who shouldn't attend a leaders’ debate is someone never elected by his own party to be their leader? Why a sitting PM, would extend such an invitation to debate to an non-elected party leader, is one of the worst political moves PM Christie could make. Besides, didn't we go through this debate challenge during the 2012 General Elections? Bran would debate Micky Mouse, if given an invite - and even before Mickey - Bran should review the way he handled himself when his Papa Hubert on the floor of the House of Assembly was ripping into his backside. Also, Bran you should review the video of March Harbour's Edison ripping-into to you on the floor of da House, making you look like, he had a school boy in after school detention. And, neither Papa or Edison are any where near the skilled debater the PM is.

Emac 9 years ago

@Tal-Please state the alternatives. The PLP is certainly not an effective government, the FNM is swishy, swashy. If the only problem you have with the DNA is that they need to elect a leader democratically then that's fine. But please do not assert that the PM should not accept a debate by a "non-elected party leader." Who do you think the prime minister is? God? The prime minister should be questioned and challenged by all and sundry, anytime, anywhere and at any cost. It is thinking like this that has the PLP where it is today, riding on a high horse not giving a dam about its employers, the Bahamian people. I believe that the DNA can be a great alternative once they hold a proper convention and iron out some kinks. After all, this party is the one that cost the FNM to lose the last general election. So be careful about what ya say. The hard truth is a lot of people are fed up with both major political parties.

TalRussell 9 years ago

Oh boy. Comrade Emac, the DNA Bran's "genius" may have tricked you but he hasn't tricked enough voters, into believing that he is anything but a rich guy with his own play political party. Politics is all about winning and the PM has never learned that the wins are not as sweet, if they are skipped wins. At least Papa Hubert, enjoyed two sweet consecutive wins at the polls. Could it be the PM, wants see if he can stick around long enough to tie his former law partner's two consecutive wins? That could be his sweet tooth motivation?

Emac 9 years ago

We shall see Tal. We shall see...

GrassRoot 9 years ago

I prefer to hear three people talking on a stage, rather than one. And its free entertainment. Its like circus, there are circus horses, ballerinas and clowns (and sometimes elephants).

justthefactsplease 9 years ago

I am not a betting man but I am prepared to bet my hard earned cash that Christie WILL NOT debate anyone.

duppyVAT 9 years ago

Bran and HAM will get get eat right up in a speech debate!!!!!!! But that will not determine WHO is the best national leader........................ Political debates are American political stage productions. It should be about IDEAS and ACTION.

We have manifestos ........... so what. We have rallies ............. so what. We have posters ......... so what ................. NOW political debates ................... so what????????

The Bahamian political system is inherently broken AND requires a 180 degree turn that will totally change the antiquated British template Constitution that we adore.

We need a locally elected President with a proportional representative (3% minimum per party)Assembly and a Senate where EACH island has ONE representative AND with an independent local government system that is able to develop each individual island free of Nassau control.

Until then .......................... it doesnt matter what debate we have between Bran, HAM and Perry

licks2 9 years ago

Boy PGC ger beat they draws them off in a debate!!! Them two tied into a knot can't beat dat man talking. . .talking is all he did for 40 years!!! He is talkspert!! I wish he was good for other things in government. . .but it een long nah!!!

ThisIsOurs 9 years ago

Ok Dr Ian Strachan organize it. A series of debates, how are we going to turn this country around, energy, corruption, transparency

caribguy 9 years ago

LOL...the only political leader in this country with the credentials to debate Perry Christie is Hubert Alexander Ingraham. Minnis and McCartney have no legs to stand on. Perry Christie is many things, and one of them is a masterful orator.

TalRussell 9 years ago

Comrade remind me of just one time Papa Hubert ever debated anyone? Shouting across the floor of the House of Assembly's floor, at Pindling or Perry is not exactly engaging in a debate.

ThisIsOurs 9 years ago

I'm not so much interested in how well PGC can speak, he's proven over and over again that he can make hogwash and UTTER NONSENSE sound good. . I have no doubt that's why he made the offer. And don't let him screw up his face in mock indignation, it ower den. I am interested in him having to answer tough questions in front of EVERYBODY. He should come prepared to answer whether all 14 BAMSI contracts had insurance coverage at the time of the fire.

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