FNM has 'best chance of winning with Ingraham'
By PAUL G TURNQUEST
Tribune Staff Reporter
pturnquest@tribunemedia.net:
THE Free National Movement was described yesterday as still having the best chance of winning the next general election with Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham at its helm.
Dismissing earlier reports that the party could stand a "better chance" of winning in 2012 with a "younger" candidate at the helm, a senior FNM strategist who spoke to The Tribune on condition of anonymity yesterday said that youth does not bring with it a very important factor -- experience.
"There can never be a comparison between Hubert Alexander Ingraham and the young Branville McCartney. Mr Ingraham was a cabinet minister in the Pindling administration. He was subsequently fired from that cabinet and went on to win his seat as an independent Member of Parliament. He then went on to become leader of the FNM and lead that party to a resounding victory at the polls in 1992 and 1997.
"What has Mr McCartney done in comparison? Yes, he was a Minister of Immigration -- which we all know is a very emotive ministry. But what has he done? What were his accomplishments during his tenure in Tourism? So before someone can come to me and say here is a man who is ready to become Prime Minister I have to ask them on what grounds they are speaking," the source said.
However, according to other well-placed FNMs, Mr McCartney's "experience" and tenure in the party does not factor in as much as his public appeal with independent voters. While they would admit that it is yet to be seen what level of support the young FNM MP could attract at a national convention, they feel certain of his public support -- especially with the growing number of young voters.
This demographic, The Tribune was told, may be more inclined to vote for a candidate with which they can "relate", versus the stereotypical "experienced based" argument. And, he said, considering the fact that the PLP will be putting forth a leader would be then in his late 60s in 2012 only adds to the appeal of the new "Branville campaign."
"It would be a landslide victory for the FNM with a young Branville at the helm versus Perry Christie. One is the embodiment of youth at its prime. One is the face of the young people; a change to future," he said.
However, the party's strategist, sees this argument in a totally different light.
"With Hubert Ingraham having been brought back by the people to lead them in 2007 it would be a slap in the face to the public for him to step aside now. It would the surest way for the FNM to lose an election in 2012; and that isn't even considering what such a move would do to his legacy as a politician.
"Just remember, in 2012 the national stadium will be built.
"The road improvement projects will be completed. A new straw market. Baha Mar will be coming on stream, and crime will be under control. Those will be tangible accomplishments that the people can see and feel that Hubert Ingraham would have delivered to them in only five short years. There is no comparison," he said.
August 13, 2010
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