By KHRISNA VIGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Deputy Leader Chris Mortimer yesterday denied that he is planning to sever ties with the third party to join to the Progressive Liberal Party.

“That is a complete untruth,” Mr Mortimer said. “I have never considered joining the PLP nor have I ever considered joining the Free National Movement. Notwithstanding the fact that I have been asked, I am with the DNA because I choose to be with the DNA and I am not going anywhere.”

His comments came after lawyer Wayne Munroe, QC, left the DNA to join the PLP on Monday.

Mr Munroe ran on the DNA’s ticket for the Mt Moriah constituency and lost in the 2012 general election.

While DNA Leader Branville McCartney wished Mr Munroe well, he admitted that he did not see the move coming.

Mr McCartney told The Tribune that up until Tuesday, Mr Munroe was still considered to be a member of the DNA as he was among the list of names being considered by the DNA’s candidacy committee for the 2017 election.

PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said that “in due course” Mr Munroe would be a candidate for the party because he has expressed political aspirations. He said the PLP was excited to have a man with “a good foreseeable political future and accruement” join the organisation.

In a press statement on Tuesday, Mr Roberts said Mr Munroe’s keen intellect, love of country and public service will serve both the party and country very well.

“The Progressive Liberal Party, an organisation that prides itself in having a big tent,” the statement read, “welcomes its newest member, noted attorney-at-law Wayne Munroe.

“Mr Munroe officially joined our great organisation on September 7.

“As a candidate in the 2012 general election, Mr Munroe is no stranger to the local political scene and the party fully appreciates his political ambitions.

“The PLP has a sound and historic record of harnessing the skills, knowledge and talents of young Bahamians through public service to further the national developmental objectives of our great country.

“We are confident that this noble legacy will continue with the addition of Mr Munroe to our team. Our bench is certainly deepened and strengthened as a result.”