The Tribune

By DANA SMITH dsmith@tribunemedia.net MONTAGU MP Loretta Butler-Turner insists she's not "running away" from her constituency following her nomination as the FNM's candidate for Long Island, replacing current MP Larry Cartwright. Ms Butler-Turner said she is "proud" of the work she has done in Montagu, and is "looking forward" to winning Long Island for the FNM. "I'm very comfortable with Long Island. I grew up there at an early age," she said. "I moved to Nassau for my later education but I still have deep roots there. I have been an integral part of the social fabric of Long Island for many years." Ms Butler-Turner also criticised "commentary" and speculating concerning "what people seem to think" about her seat change. "I'm not running away from Montagu. I'm very proud that I accomplished the things I promised the people of Montagu I would accomplish," she said. "I was very happy that I was able to do that and I was looking forward to my re-election in Montagu. "But as you know, in politics, things do change." Last week, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham announced the FNM's full slate of candidates, noting that six sitting members of Parliament will be seeking election in new constituencies. Ms Butler-Turner was one of them. The Prime Minister also confirmed that 25 per cent of sitting FNM MPs will not be seeking re-election. Earlier, Mr Cartwright confirmed he was not running in the up-coming general election. He said he promised the Long Island community two terms and now that his time is up, he is willing to step down. "In 2002, when I was campaigning I asked for two terms. I got that. In order for me to go a third time my constituents would have to ask for me personally. I would need to have the support of the people. Right now I can't say if I have it because I haven't even looked into that yet," he said. "I spoke to the branch in Long Island and indicated to them that I intend to keep my promise unless I am specifically requested. "As far as whether or not I will receive the nod from my party to run again I do not know. That's up to the council and the leader of my party." According to Ms Butler-Turner, Mr Cartwright was asked by the Prime Minister who would be best as his replacement. She was offered by Mr Cartwright as a potential replacement candidate and after discussions, she was chosen. Ms Butler-Turner states she's "excited" about being the FNM candidate for Long Island and is confident in her campaign. "I'm really looking forward to winning Long Island," she said. "The people of Long Island are beautiful and we love each other and we are going to do exceedingly well together." The new FNM Montagu candidate, Richard Lightbourne, has already been introduced to his constituency by Ms Butler-Turner. "I've taken my successor around to key areas of Montagu and the reception for Lightbourne has been exceptionally good," she said. In Long Island, Mr Cartwright is "working closely" with her, as well, and she is confident of a FNM win in both constituencies. "We feel at the end of the day that we will be able to retain Long Island and Montagu," Ms Butler-Turner said. "The FNM feels very, very good about that and Long Island and Montagu feel good about it."