Loretta Butler-Turner in the House of Assembly.
Reader poll
In light of Loretta Butler-Turner's suggestion that she is considering running for the FNM leadership, who do you think should lead the party?
- Dr Hubert Minnis
- Loretta Butler-Turner
- Dr Duane Sands
- Hubert Ingraham
- Other
391 total votes.
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune News Editor
FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner last night said she is considering running for the leadership of her party, adding that she has been inundated with support from people asking her to vie for the FNM’s top position.
Mrs Butler-Turner said while she has not made a decision on the matter, she has not ruled out the thought of challenging FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis for the party’s top post whenever the party holds a convention.
“Quite frankly, I have been weighing my options recently,” she told The Tribune.
“I have not made any decision regarding it, but a lot of people have asked me about it so in that regard I would certainly give it consideration.”
She added: “Like anybody else, I think we all evaluate if we can do more and if we can do something different and I think the only other post for me would then be a consideration of if I would challenge for leader. While I haven’t made that decision, certainly I would not rule it out at this time.”
A leadership race within the FNM is likely to occur at the party’s next convention.
According to the party’s constitution, a convention must be held every two years. The FNM’s last convention was in 2012.
Mrs Butler-Turner said it is still unclear when the party will hold another convention.
“Leadership in a democratic organisation is only changed during a convention and to the best of my knowledge, even when we sat in council last week, the party has only just decided to put convention as a topic on the conversation for June, so I’m not sure what’s going to be decided,” she said.
In February former FNM Senator Dr Duane Sands said he is considering challenging Dr Minnis for the leadership.
Mrs Butler-Turner expects others to join the race once a convention date is announced.
“A lot of people are asking to have a convention and I think should the party be in the position to have one, then you will see a lot of movement (with) people positioning themselves for an opportunity, not just leader.”
She added: “I’m sure that anyone going for any major post will weigh the pros and cons. I wouldn’t rule anything out. Whenever there seems to be discontent, people’s aspirations and ambitions are heightened.”
Mrs Butler-Turner said she does not think her gender will be an issue with voters if she decides to contest for the FNM’s top post.
“I think that people are becoming less gender centric and looking more for people of ability, for people who have proven themselves to be I guess a leader,” she said. “I certainly think in this environment in which we live today, you look around globally and see the moves with trying to position women and bring greater equality.
“I would hope that we are certainly thinking in a 21st century mind where male or female it shouldn’t make a difference.”
She added that having a woman as the head of a major political party would be a “huge break through” in the Bahamas.
“(In) the major political parties I can emphatically state that the highest position that any woman has held has been that of deputy leader, it would be a new trail blazed if that were to happen,” the Long Island MP said.
Last week FNM Chairman Darron Cash told The Tribune that he would put questions to the FNM’s central council about the date for a new convention. He said he could not confirm an official time line for the event because it is the responsibility of the council to decide.
When asked why party officials have said very little of convention plans this year, Mr Cash said the FNM has been too focused on the Christie administration’s lacklustre performance to prioritise internal party politics.
However party insiders have said there has been considerable agitation among FNMs who want a convention now.
Comments
SensibleGoverning2016 10 years, 5 months ago
Figuring out who should be the leader at this point is not a priority. Keep pressure on the PLP and focus on the job at hand. Also things like this should not be in the media. The FNM lost horrible, so focus should be on rebuilding. Minnis just got the job so give the man a chance.
banker 10 years, 5 months ago
Pound for pound, she is a formidable opposition member.
blackcat 10 years, 5 months ago
You're a jackas*
JohnDoes 10 years, 5 months ago
This is not a priority. What is the FNM trying to do? Make it even harder on themselves at elections? The majority does not want her as leader of the FNM let alone country. Is she full of herself because she is a deputy? I even thought that alone was a mistake. H.M is partially incompetent but is slowly proving himself in the position he has so far. Loretta is just setting herself up for early retirement. The people aint going to like this.
sheeprunner12 10 years, 5 months ago
She should................. she has iron gonads as compared to the other political leaders we have now................... The PLP should take note .......... and prepare to have to lift her out of the House like her grand pappy!!!!!!!!!!! ..... LOL
jackbnimble 10 years, 5 months ago
No go! They need a rep for ALL Bahamians not just a certain demographic. Good politician - Yes! Good leader - No!
jlcandu 10 years, 5 months ago
The men have frigged up this country enough for the last 40 years. I think it's time for a woman to clean it up!!!!
Go for it!!! Can't be any worse that Perry "Wutless" Christie....
sheeprunner12 10 years, 5 months ago
Are you suggesting that LBT will be the Margaret Thatcher of The Bahamas??????????????? Do your homework!!!!!!!!!!!
TalRussell 10 years, 5 months ago
Comrades I've been told that this very early morning an official bold communication direct from Cooper's Town was in fact dispatched to all die-hard Papa Hubert loyalists, instructing them that Minnis is out and they are required to put on their best "Wal-Mart Smiley Faces" in support of Loretta's leadership run...cause she would never chance it, unless Papa Hubert himself had assured her that he has no plans of returning to lead the reds come the 2017 General Elections.
banker 10 years, 5 months ago
What's you smokin', Willis? I love the way that you make things up to suit your partisanship. It is very entertaining.
TalRussell 10 years, 5 months ago
Comrade Banker regardless, if i did, essentially wouldn't a Loretta leadership not return you reds shirts all way back to a Hubert ground zero? How can she possibly win a majority to form a red government from a ground zero Hubert starting point?
Honestman 10 years, 5 months ago
The FNM needs to have a convention and decide who is the best candidate to lead them into the next election. I know these events cost money but the benefit of having one this year is that it would give the elected leader the chance to create some momentum and authority going into the polls in 2017. I don't know if Loretta has the leadership skills to manage the country in what will surely be the aftermath of the most disastrous five year spell any party has had in office since independence. Someone is going to have to pick up the baton however.
sheeprunner12 10 years, 5 months ago
Exactly ......... entertaining the return of Hubert Ingraham is detrimental to the future of The Bahamas ................... HAI, please do not return !!!!!!!
hurricane 10 years, 5 months ago
Omg...what a pig. Someone, please take the peas and rice and fried chicken from this woman. She looks like a health risk...not a leader.
sheeprunner12 10 years, 5 months ago
Small-minded fool................. go read about how David became king of Israel
Well_mudda_take_sic 10 years, 5 months ago
Butler nor Sands are suitable candidates to lead the FNM; both carry far too much unfavourable political baggage making them lightening rods for much divisiveness within the electorate and their own party. Neither has the traits, charisma and savviness necessary to garner broad public support. The FNM has no chance of becoming the governing party again without a fresh new organizational structure, i.e. out with the same 'ole tired guard and in with a fresh new slate of stalwarts, council members, leaders and candidates. Consider even changing the name of the party. In other words, become a "new" party of the best, brightest, caring Bahamians possible. Start by giving Cash the boot or the funding for the next general election will be very tepid at best. WE, THE VOTERS, HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THE FNM OF THE PAST THAT SITS IN OPPOSITION TODAY!
sheeprunner12 10 years, 5 months ago
You sound like you have a leadership dilemma in the FNM just like the long suffering PLPs ......... with Christie dem AND dont talk about the still-born DNA
SP 10 years, 5 months ago
Story heading correction
"Fnm Deputy May Go For A Third Lunch Everyday"
GQ 10 years, 5 months ago
I recently spoke with A LOOOOONNNNNGGGG time original RED PARTY supporter and was told that the way Loretta and some other unelectable former member treated Dr. Minnis if she threw her "FAT ARSE" in any type of leadership they would abandon the RED SHIRTS and maybe even take a chance on winning a seat for the GREEN GROUP which I believe is quite possible.
It seems that whenever the FNM has an opportunity to win the government some ambitious non performer like Tommy T and now Loretta wants to screw it up.
Bahamians pack your bags and expect another PLP landslide and five more years which this country cannot afford.
sheeprunner12 10 years, 5 months ago
Typical 1970s FNM talk ................................. go check yall party history
TalRussell 10 years, 5 months ago
Of course Madame Comrade Loretta brings to the leadership race her experience as a former cabinet minister, deputy party leader, record of being a highly successful business woman, having been reelected to the House of Assembly along with her huge name recognition as a true blue blood member of the Butler dynasty. Her credentials guarantees she will have her defenders but in the heat of a leadership race, could we not become more entertained by her antics than what she is capable of bringing to the leadership of a former governing party. There's one important concern which must first be addressed by even her staunchest supporters. Will she still appeal as much to voters, once they have done their homework on her? Until answered to the affirmative ... I don't think Loretta should be practicing her leadership's acceptance speech. But if I were in Minnis's shoes, I sure as hell wouldn't be in too much of a hurry to underestimate a Loretta Butler-Turner.
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 5 months ago
Moral: "stick around long enough and you too could be PM"
sheeprunner12 10 years, 5 months ago
LBT is a tireless worker.............. charismatic engaging character .............. straight-talker and ......... practical tactician. These are more than enough good traits to be an effective political leader .... anywhere.
She will be the "Margaret Thatcher" for this country at its stage of national development .. these half-cocked lousy male politicians just have to man-up and move aside. Women must see the necessity of supporting their own sex rather than continuing to be hoodwinked by sweet-talking male politicians of the Christie ilk .................. nuff said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Publius 10 years, 5 months ago
@sheep, are you seriously comparing Butler-Turner to THE Margaret Thatcher? Is this comedy hour or just an extended happy hour? Clearly you know nothing about the life and leadership of the Iron Lady. Butler-Turner is not Thatcher's equal just because they are both females.
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 5 months ago
God no. No offense to Loretta Butler Turner but I need a visionary, serious strategist, statesman (or woman) for my next PM. Not someone who can win simply a popularity contest.
sheeprunner12 10 years, 5 months ago
PLease suggest THREE candidates .......... excluding LBT. If you can, I will EAT my comments
B_I_D___ 10 years, 5 months ago
LOL...I know when Tal saw this headline she'd must have just about hit the roof for jumping out of her seat so fast...the little heart must of gone a pitter patter!! Been waiting for this claim for long time!! LMAO
Publius 10 years, 5 months ago
Why is this being discussed now? Who cares right now? Do these people in the FNM not see and know all that is happening in this country? They are so focused on their personal agendas that they cannot resist allowing them to take center stage at a time when it is not even relevant to the nation. If they were having an upcoming convention then we could see the immediate relevance, but they are not. The PLP has announced their convention date of November and even they are not in the papers doing this right now. The government has it so very easy with the caliber of people atop the Opposition right now.
killemwitdakno 10 years, 5 months ago
Why did education get a budget cut?
Publius 10 years, 5 months ago
They aren't interested in that. They are about popularity contests among themselves right now
MaLambee 10 years, 5 months ago
Some you need to stop being so mean spirited. What is the answer to the question: Who will be the best leader to take us forward? PGC, HM or LB. Please answer honestly.
ProfessorTinker 10 years, 5 months ago
Thanks for the all the laughs. But like someone above side, party restructure and saying good buy to 50% of the ignorant members is very important going forward. But sadly speaking everyone in the party wants to be Chief of the Party. Ingram needs not to return but be a supporter of the Chief. These same old faces from the time the country got independence is pathetic. There needs to be new blood, bold speakers with nothing of interest except the rebuilding of the nation.
Like Bob Marley said.
"Top Rankin'"
They don't want to see us unite: All they want us to do is keep on fussing and fighting. They don't want to see us live together: All they want us to do is keep on killing one another.
Top rankin', top rankin': Are you skankin' (skankin', skankin')? Are you skankin' (skankin', skankin')? Wo-ho, top rankin' (top rankin'), 'Ow, did you mean what you say now? Are you - 'ow are you (rankin', rankin') - are ya - Lord, Lord, Lord! (skankin', skankin')?
They say the blood runs; And it runs through our line, And our hearts, heart of hearts divine, eh! And John saw them comin', ooh! - a-with the truth From an ancient time.
The brotherly love (brotherly love), the sisterly love (sisterly love) I feel this morning; I feel this morning: Brotherly love (brotherly love), the sisterly love (sisterly love) I feel this morning, this morning. Hey!
Emac 10 years, 5 months ago
Say what yinna may, but LBT is certainly ahead in the poll. Even though these types of opinion polls are only a snapshot of public opinion at the particular moment in time, they can help us determine what would be the likely outcome. On the other hand, Bahamians are so full of shit when it comes to truth that ya really can’t rely on their words. They will participate in one rally with dey yella shirts , eat the food and take the gifts then move on to the next rally wearing dey red shirts talkin’ bout, “ das da party I gon wote for.” But at the end of the day when they go inside that booth to mark that X , only God himself knows who they will choose. Anyone will be a fool to try and call an election in the Bahamas based on the crowd size that attend these rallies (even if it is a hologram effect).
GQ 10 years, 5 months ago
Sheep runner: If you knew of whom I wrote earlier you would apologize and repent in sack cloth and ashes. That person has busted their ass and put much money in the FNM even when there was little hope of winning. Now you seem to be a "Johnny come lately" and discredit someone of this stature, just another show of people like you who do not appreciate the roads that others have built for upstarts like you to walk on. Go get your female sheep and have a jolly good weekend.
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 5 months ago
No. I for one am not voting someone in for leader just because they "work hard". That person could very well be the next PM and there are a hell of a lot more qualities that I want to see in the person who has the right to loose every penny in the treasury.kudos to her for her hard work though, give her a well deserved lifetime award or something.
SensibleGoverning2016 10 years, 5 months ago
Poll of 75 people come on!!!!!!!!!!!!
SP 10 years, 5 months ago
Bring Hubert Ingraham back.....At least he knows and we know he's a certified wacko that doesn't care for Bahamians.
This woman equates intelligence with her size and hard mouth.
ChefSmith 10 years, 5 months ago
The tribune need to delete all disrespectful comments that is post here. I don't think this blog is serving the purpose they intended.
sheeprunner12 10 years, 5 months ago
I agree................... there are too many HATERS of anything that is positive in this country. Secondly, there are too many people who love political status quo and cannot look past gender. I can remember how many of these same small-minded Bahamian men treated Janet Bostwick and how many male politicians derided her .......... mainly because she was female. And look how that turned out ............ can yall remember BigBadBrad and Italia Johnson???????? Bahamian males leave much to be desired regardless of colour, class or education levels.
FOR THIS SOCIETY TO BE TAKEN TO ANOTHER LEVEL......... MALES MUST GET RID OF THEIR STINKING THINKING
SP 10 years, 5 months ago
O.K. Sheeprunner12....Stinking thinking gone....Now what? You want us to elect a self professed genius as leader of the country?
Don't forget Loretta failed to "GIVE AWAY" government assistance during the worst recession in living memory.
This proven idiot with all her self professed intelligence couldn't organize government subsidized freebees during the worst recession known to the vast majority of us when all she had to do was open satellite stations after hours in public schools!
How stupid is that?
No thank you....Loretta Turner is best suited for Long Island souse outs or Dunkin Donut marathons.
sheeprunner12 10 years, 4 months ago
Do you think your point is worthy of a response????????? Should we build a country on government handouts??????????? Sounds like you are looking for such handouts. Proud sheeprunners dont look for handouts. We look for fair practices that allow us to thrive and build in a free market economy........ something that yall from Over Da Hill cant understand
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