By RICARDO WELLS
Tribune Staff Reporter
rwells@tribunemedia.net
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney yesterday dismissed claims that he and other members of his party were "nervous" about the organisation's first convention.
Mr McCartney declared that on November 13th "all seats will become available".
Underscoring the party's democratic nature, Mr McCartney insisted that there is more than one person within the DNA with the capabilities and skill to lead the party.
"I mean, the bottom line is, I've said it before, in the DNA we have a deep bench,” he said. “Certainly if the members of the DNA wish for me to remain as their leader I will oblige. But nervous is the last thing on my mind when it comes down to that.
"Our constituencies will be up and running. By that time, we would've had a very good idea as to who the candidates will be or the majority of those candidates in preparation for the next election. All seats will become available," he added.
In the past the DNA has been criticised for its lack of "serviceable candidates" beyond the party's leaders and the lack of a convention following their defeat in the 2012 general election.
Mr McCartney, in his response to those concerns stated: "The DNA was formed of about 13 persons. At the time I was in the House of Assembly, I was an Independent member of the of the House of Assembly after leaving the FNM. The DNA was formed and, out of the 13 persons, inclusive of myself, I was elected leader of the DNA.
"I don't understand why the people would have thought it necessary for the DNA to have a convention when it first started out with 13 persons. That's silly," he said.
"We couldn't have a convention with 13 persons, with no constituencies being formed, no candidates, that's ludicrous you would think that. When the PLP was formed of their six persons, they didn't have a convention. When the FNM was formed with the dissident eight, they did not have a convention.”
In March, Mr McCartney stated that the DNA had originally hoped to hold a convention in May, but backtracked on those plans due to the inaugural Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival.
He said his party decided not to rush a convention, but has opted to consult citizens on issues facing them and then assemble the best party possible.
At the time he suggested that the country was “in for some surprises” during the DNA’s convention. He stated that “high profiles and backgrounds” would play a major role in who the party selects.
In recent weeks, the DNA has been linked to former PLP backbenchers Fort Charlotte MP Andre Rollins and Marco City MP Greg Moss. Both men resigned during the 2015-2016 Budget debate over concerns over the PLP's handling of national issues and leadership.
On Sunday, DNA deputy leader Chris Mortimer denied that the party was in discussions with Dr Rollins ahead of the 2017 general election, after a video surfaced of the two sitting in discussion at a local restaurant.
Comments
TalRussell 9 years, 5 months ago
Comrades finally I can truthfully say Bran and Comrade Tal have reached eye level on Bran's point of, "How silly to understand why the people would have thought it necessary for the DNA to have a convention when it first started out with 13 persons."
But now da DNA as a political party have grown to twenty members after 3 plus years since Bran's impressive Cable Beach launch, yes, finally it's not silly call for a green party convention.
All left leadership of one to decide is witch telephone booth book for convention.
And, in case Bran wants you forget, he either did hold a convention BEFORE he had 13 members, or since convention time three plus years back at Cable Beach, they lost members?
And, he still manages keeps straight face with each hypocrisy, tis just his facts grows even more wiggly with each passing press release.
duppyVAT 9 years, 5 months ago
The DNA got 13,000 votes in the 2012 election ............ what do you mean about 13 members??
But what seats will be available ............. those in the audience or those on the platform???? BOL
mangogirl01 9 years, 5 months ago
Lmao! Say deep bench!
proudloudandfnm 9 years, 5 months ago
13 people?!?!? You ran someone in every seat. Without ever having held a convention.
And we know every seat will be available...
lol.....Bout a deep bench. This dread is lie better than Perry.... lol...
Economist 9 years, 5 months ago
When did they say they were going to hold this convention?
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