The Tribune

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts said the resignation of Branville McCartney from the Senate last week only underscores the fact that the Official Opposition is a “ball of confusion.”

Mr McCartney, leader of the Democratic National Alliance, announced on Thursday that he quit his post as leader of government business in the Senate.

He was given the appointment last December by Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner after she was appointed leader of the Official Opposition. This came after she and six other Free National Movement MPs wrote to Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling expressing no confidence in FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis.

“This decision calls into question Mr McCartney’s judgment,” Mr Roberts said in a statement. “Was Branville McCartney in a Ripvanwinklesque cryogenic slumber when Loretta Butler-Turner sowed the seeds that created one big ball of confusion in the FNM? Butler-Turner turned her party’s convention into a circus and later led the gang of seven to emasculate and undermine her duly elected leader who she danced with and pledged her undying support for. Did Branville not see that coming? Is he that slow as a leader?

“McCartney was in the media blaming his resignation and his uninspiring and failed leadership in the Senate on Butler-Turner. He said that Butler-Turner failed to demonstrate leadership, a clear vision and ‘sowed seeds of confusion.’ It is unfortunate that Bran missed an entire public spectacle where Loretta managed to break up and split the FNM, throwing the party into total chaos.”

He also said: “More broadly, where is the opposition? Dr Andre Rollins wants to go back to the FNM but they are not sure if they want him. Hubert Chipman is contemplating running as an independent in St Anne’s and Loretta Butler-Turner is pursuing an independent FNM bid in Long Island. There is even talk of the rebel seven returning to the FNM, effectively firing Loretta Butler-Turner as opposition leader and returning that post to Dr Minnis.”

Mr Roberts said in contrast, the PLP is “a stable and united organisation” committed to moving the country forward.