By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunmedia.net

DNA Deputy Leader Chris Mortimer yesterday denied that his party was in discussions with former Progressive Liberal Party MP Dr Andre Rollins to join the Democratic National Alliance before the next general election.

Mr Mortimer shot down this speculation after a video circulated on Facebook showing him and Dr Rollins sitting in a local restaurant engaged in a discussion.

The four-second video clip sparked speculation over whether the DNA was wooing the newly independent Fort Charlotte MP to run on its 2017 general election ticket.

Mr Mortimer said: “I’ve known Dr Rollins for many years, so no, we were not in discussions over anything concerning the Democratic National Alliance.”

Calls placed to DNA Leader Branville McCartney went unanswered up to press time.

On Friday, the Fort Charlotte branch of the PLP issued a statement denouncing selfishness, ego and personality as a means to denigrate the party.

The statement came two days after Dr Rollins parted ways with the PLP. He explained at the time that it had become obvious he was no longer wanted in the party.

He quit the party after drama erupted in the House of Assembly last Wednesday when government MPs made several attempts to block him from contributing to the 2014/2015 budget debate.

The Fort Charlotte branch said Dr Rollins’ actions were not surprising and further welcomed another opportunity to work with former Fort Charlotte MP Alfred Sears.

The statement, by branch Chairperson Donna Moxey, read: “We wish Dr Rollins well, harbour no rancour or ill will and have moved on from this experience to seek a suitably qualified candidate committed to providing the quality of representation the constituents in Fort Charlotte rightly deserve.

“In due course we will follow our policies, procedures and practices in selecting a new candidate to carry the PLP banner in the next general election. We would be less than forthright if we did not publicly state that it is no secret that the former member of Parliament for Fort Charlotte, Alfred Sears, was an effective representative, was well-loved by the people of Fort Charlotte and enjoyed an excellent working relationship with the executives and members of the Fort Charlotte branch.

“Further, Mr Sears has expressed an interest in returning to frontline politics and the branch gladly welcomes another opportunity to work with Mr Sears.”

The statement continued: “Moreover, the integrity, brand and symbol of our great political party, whose vision, spirit and policies led our country to Majority Rule, independence and the modern Bahamas, must be protected and jealously guarded at all costs.”

Dr Rollins has denied that he had plans to form a new political party with other disgruntled backbenchers.

He has also denied any immediate plans to join the Free National Movement.

In his last speech as a member of the PLP, Dr Rollins attacked the party on many fronts including lack of transparency in the management of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) and concerns about expenditure in the Urban Renewal programme.

He said the party is not democratic and resistant to change, considering that its last convention was in 2009.

He added that on its current trajectory, the PLP has “zero chance” of being re-elected as the governing party. He also criticised the government’s new Stronger Bahamas campaign, saying this country needs action not more catchy slogans.

Dr Rollins’ resignation came a little more than a week after Marco City MP Greg Moss quit the PLP over issues with its leadership and policies.