FORMER Free National Movement candidate Cassius Stuart has withdrawn his bid for the deputy leadership of the party, it was announced on his Facebook page yesterday.
Giving a detailed explanation of why he originally decided to run for the post, Mr Stuart, pictured, did not offer any reasons for his sudden about-face.
Mr Stuart asserts that he still strongly believes he can be “very effective” in helping bring about a transformation of the party, only to cryptically add: “I must forgo this decision”.
He wrote: “Recently I submitted my bid for the post of deputy leader of the FNM. It was indeed my belief that after 12 years of active political involvement I would be able to bring another aspect to our party and assist to attract the upcoming generation of young voters.
“Our party, in my opinion, would do well to have an injection of new and vibrant talent as well as thinkers that would truly ‘ignite’ our party; just as our soon to be former leader, Hubert Ingraham, did in 1992 with the ‘Young Turks’.
“For this reason I was compelled and fuelled to move forward and contest the deputy leader position of our party. Even though I strongly believe I can be very effective in bringing about this transformation I must forgo this decision.
“On this note I wish to inform you that I am withdrawing my proposal from the race for deputy leader of the FNM party.”
“I extend sincere ‘Thank You’ to the many persons who came forward with their support, encouragement and expressions of well wishes, and, as we go to convention let us do so in the spirit of oneness and excellence.”
When the former Bahamas Democratic Alliance leader threw his hat into the deputy leadership ring last week, he said he could make the FNM more “sexy” than fellow hopeful, Loretta Butler-Turner.
He said: “I think I will do a better job as deputy leader than she can. I can make the FNM sexy and more attractive. She is not appealing to the woman voter and I am.
“They just are not attracted to her. We lost the female support in the last election and I can get them back, I can strengthen our support,” he said.
Mrs Butler-Turner brushed off Mr Stuart’s comments, saying: “It’s all a part of the democratic process.”
She said: “He has the right to say whatever he wants. We are a part of the same team and I think we both want what is best for the party. I am prepared to fight for the position. His views are his business. May the best person win.”
Comments
Bril 12 years, 6 months ago
Mr. Stuart would do well to withdraw from active politics all together. Many FNMs would agree that he has brought nothing to the table. He seems hellbent on worming his way into parliament. There must be other personal endeavors you want to pursue Mr. Stuart. We are pleased that you are so enthusiastic about our democracy but one has to be realistic. If you had lost with your former BDM party I would have said ok well this guy stuck to his guns even if it meant him losing. But a defeat again and this time with a major political party I'm sure changes the game for you. Sometimes we can do more to help others in our private lives than we can publicly. Service to others is service to others. You don't need a public platform to serve others.
Jessemo 12 years, 6 months ago
The obvious lack of explanation and overriding declaration of his 'ready-to-lead' status leaves me to opine that Mr. Stuart was set-upon by forces greater than himself to bow out of this race. He was one of the first in the party to declare his candidacy for the deputy leadership, and now the first to abandon that lofty pursuit. It is likely that party executives saw his candidacy as 'muddying the waters' for the establishment favorites!
TalRussell 12 years, 6 months ago
The Defeated FNM regime's "peep show" continues with Cassisus "Yes, I will run for me party's deputy leader , No, I don't think they want me." And, Comrades what of Hubert's pledge on defeat night not to take his Abaco seat in the House and now we have him showing up in the House for just enough time take his oath of allegiance and then to do another one of his sudden side door vanishing acts. Who knows maybe you have to show up promptly just on the first day to qualify for your pension? Maybe your Hubert had to rush to see sister Comrade Pakeisha to prepare her to run for his Abaco seat? They related you know that ha? Careful sister Comrade, cause an endorsement by Hubert, yes even in Abaco, could be the kiss that spells your sudden disappearance from the political scene. I have talked with a number of Abacoian's since Hubert ran from his constituents and I can tell you he has little of his so-called the people love me left with his fellow Abacouan's, besides I hear Hubert is making plans to move to Ontario, Canada
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