National

Former Free Town MP.: I Will Not Be Running In The Next Election

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Dionisio D’aguilar is making it clear he will not return to frontline politics after his defeat in the 2021 general election.

Published

7 months ago

May 18, 2025

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – As election season heats up, one familiar face with the Free National Movement is telling Our News he will not be making a return.

Former Free Town MP Dionisio D’aguilar telling Our News that despite his absence from the FNM’s ticket, he believes the party will return to leadership.

Dionisio D’aguilar is making it clear he will not return to frontline politics after his defeat in the 2021 general election.

D’aguilar loss to Wayne Munroe, K.C, by 409 votes D’aguilar says a lack of support from his family is one of the reasons for his decision.

Dionisio D’aguilar – Former Minister of Tourism

“They did not like the experience the last time because, as you know, politics tends to affect your family and they’re not the ones that signed up for it.”

As the free national movement prepares for the next general election under a new leadership team, D’aguilar says the party still has some work to do to convince the electorate that the FNM is a suitable alternative.

He says the numbers seem to show that there’s an equal chance.

Dionisio D’aguilar – Former Minister of Tourism

“We’ll see whether that movement away from supporting the government continues, but this current government obviously has some problems. The cost of living, the economy, and the bahamian people are seriously looking to us, and we have to convince them that we are a viable alternative.”

The FNM has trod a rocky road since its 2021 election defeat.

As it saw two leadership races where Michael Pintard emerged as party leader in both instances.

More recently, the party decided not to run Killarney MP and former prime minister, Dr. Hubert Minnis, as its candidate in the upcoming election.

Our News asked D’aguilar if he believes that what appears to be the strained relationship between the former PM and the party will influence the next election results.

Dionisio D’aguilar – Former Minister of Tourism

“I’m of the view there is no rift. The party has decided, for better or worse, that Dr. Minnis is not to be the standard bearer in Killarney. He’s a former leader, a former prime minister and the party has decided based on their interaction with the party that maybe someone else should take that role.”