Minnis Commits To Killarney In Next Election; Pintard Says Plan Coming Soon

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Former Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Killarney, Dr. Hubert Minnis, is doubling down on his decision to run for the Killarney seat in the next general election.

The declaration was made during his budget contribution in Parliament last evening, with Free National Movement leader, Michael Pintard, sitting right next to him, appearing to smile as Minnis spoke.

The Free National Movement announced in April that Minnis would not be renominated for the seat he’s held since 2007, stating that the party is focused on a new way forward.

When asked this morning about Minnis’ comments, Pintard, as before, remained tight-lipped.

Michael Pintard – Leader, Free National Movement
“We are focused on getting the job done of holding the PLP accountable, and what we will do seat by seat will be absolutely clear over the course of the next few days.”

It’s the latest chapter in a story that has revealed an apparent split in the party.

You may recall that Dr. Minnis challenged Pintard for party leadership at last year’s convention, and since Pintard’s overwhelming victory, he’s called for the party to move forward. However, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper took shots at that position during his own budget contribution today.

Chester Cooper – Deputy Prime Minister
“They act, Mr. Deputy, like all is well, and then I saw a statement, and the statement said something to the effect that they are putting the Minnis administration behind them. I applaud the statement because remember, at the beginning, I pointed out that Marco City was a member of the Minnis administration.”

Despite all the back and forth, Pintard still commended the sitting MP for Killarney for calling out the government on its shortcomings.

Michael Pintard – Leader, Free National Movement
“I was sitting there, I supported him in his defense of our record and his challenge to the PLP and their failure in this budget to put out a clear vision that will inspire Bahamians and give them confidence that they have a plan to rescue too.”