By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE 2012 general election campaign has left the Free National Movement more than $1 million in the red.

The ousted party was hit by financial challenges on the campaign trail due to limited resources and its strict ethical code governing funding, former leader Hubert Ingraham told delegates at the party’s convention this weekend.

“You will know that our party does not accept all offers of financial support for its election campaigns,” he said.

“It has always been critically important to the Free National Movement that its funding come from reputable sources and further that financial support not compromise the hand of the Party should it assume office as Government.”

Mr Ingraham said: “When those who oppose us commenced their election television campaigns early, we did not; not because we did not wish to but because we could not afford a television campaign. We needED more money to run an effective campaign this year.

He added: “We finished the campaign carrying about $1million in debt which our new leadership team will need to address and settle moving forward.

While he noted that more money was needed to run an effective campaign, Mr Ingraham lauded the support of campaign donors and the emergence of online donations.

Mr Ingraham said 363 persons contributed during their month-long internet campaign, which raised an estimated $131,000.

“I believe that this initiative to involve a wide cross-section of Bahamians in supporting our Party bodes well for the development of our democracy.

He said: “It is my hope that such fundraising will continue, demonstrating real ownership of our Party by the people. I hope that such fundraising initiatives will soon enough assist the Party in maintaining a fuller presence in the media throughout the life of this Parliament ensuring that our message remains relevant and that our message is received and understood by the wide Bahamian public.”