By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

CENTRAL and South Abaco MP Edison Key yesterday confirmed that he was still an active member of the FNM party despite noticeable absences from Opposition press conferences held at the House of Assembly.

FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis also dismissed assertions that Mr Key’s absence were indicative of a strained relationship with the party.

Speaking to the Tribune yesterday, Mr Key explained that his commute to the capital from his home in Abaco often prevented him from participating alongside opposition members. 

However, Mr Key said he is kept abreast of activities with the use of technology.

Dr Minnis said: “There is nothing to that, nothing to that. He is a strong FNM.”

Mr Key’s relationship with the party came under scrutiny last year when party leader Dr Minnis was named in the House of Assembly and suspended for two sessions, before being escorted out by police.

On August 7, opposition members locked arms in solidarity with Dr Minnis against police officers, who attempted to forcibly remove him from the House.

The FNM members then walked out of the House, and boycotted proceedings until Dr Minnis’ suspension was complete.

Mr Key did not participate alongside opposition members that day, and did not boycott subsequent sessions.

At the time, he told The Tribune he had no regrets, adding that he chose to stay as an elected representative to show support for the Stem Cell Bill.

“When I do something, I don’t just do it,” Mr Key said. “I’m not a follower.

“I’ve always fought for myself and tried to make conscious decisions based on truth and honesty.

“If they want to do something drastic on me, that’s entirely up to them.”

Asked about the possibility that he might return to his longtime party, the governing PLP, Mr Key said: “Never know what one might do in life.”