The Tribune

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard has declined to say whether he backs his chairman's call for an earlier-than-planned convention, insisting the party's council will decide.

Last month, FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands said the party's next convention should be held within a few months, arguing that the current October 2027 timeline is unreasonable and too far away.

Yesterday, Mr Pintard was pressed repeatedly on where he stands, but would not give a preferred timeframe.

"My personal opinion is whatever it is, that's not what the issue is," he said. "The issue is the council of the Free National Movement decides on the date of the convention, and they have my support, whether they call it the first quarter or any other quarter. I'm in support."

Asked about Dr Sands' position, Mr Pintard said the two men generally agreed on the party's work.

"Dr Sands and I talk all the time," he said, "so we are generally in agreement on the matters that he raised with the public, particularly around the work of the party. So no disagreement with him."

When asked directly whether that meant he agreed with holding an early convention, Mr Pintard deferred to the council.

"The conventions are decided by the council," he said.

He said he had no difficulty with a convention as early as the first quarter, and that Dr Sands also supports whatever the council decides.

Mr Pintard was also asked about speculation that deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright could seek the FNM leadership.

"No, he hasn't indicated so, but he has every right to do so if he decides," he responded.

He described Mr Cartwright as a talented Bahamian with a future in politics and said he had no concerns. His decision not to appoint Mr Cartwright to the Senate after the May general election had raised eyebrows in political circles.

He said he expected the party's post-election conclave to be a "good family discussion".