By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

ATTORNEY Wayne Munroe, QC, said yesterday he decided to join the Progressive Liberal Party because its “philosophy is more in line” with where he sees The Bahamas going.

On Tuesday, the PLP announced that Mr Munroe, the Democratic National Alliance’s Mt Moriah candidate in the 2012 election, joined the party on September 7.

Yesterday Mr Munroe admitted he did not inform DNA Leader Branville McCartney, his childhood friend, of his decision to leave the party because he “didn’t think it was necessary”.

“On Monday I formally joined the Progressive Liberal Party,” Mr Munroe told the media yesterday. “I looked at the available parties, I looked at their philosophy and I found that historically, philosophically and in execution of its philosophy the PLP is more suited to my view of where the Bahamas should be going.”

“I will continue to be in private practice, I will continue to represent individuals and I have no doubt that some of them will be against the government, so for instance the police overtime case is still outstanding, I have certain instructions from the correctional officers, so this is just joining a political party.”

On Tuesday, Mr McCartney said the PLP’s announcement caught him by surprise.

He told The Tribune that the DNA had placed Mr Munroe on its list of prospective candidates for the next general election and still considered him a member of the third party.

“I did not see it as necessary (to inform Mr McCartney). We were friends from I was a boy but this is a about a party and I have chosen the PLP,” Mr Munroe explained, speaking to a ZNS reporter.

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

“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.”

Over the past few years, Mr Munroe has represented clients who opposed decisions made by the governing party. He represented the Police Staff Association (PSA) during its lawsuit against the government regarding overtime pay to officers. The PSA won the case in July.

He later criticised the Royal Bahamas Police Force over its lack of response in that matter and said he and PSA were prepared to do what was needed to ensure the court’s ruling was acted upon.

The attorney also represented web shops, including Island Game, Island Luck, FML, Asue Draw, Whatfall and Chances during a court battle with the government after the failed gambling referendum.

In early 2013 he advised his clients to remain open despite then Chief Justice Sir Michael Barnett lifting a conservatory order that had prevented the government from shutting down their gaming operations.

Mr Munroe has also been critical of the government’s lack of communication of certain stipulations pertaining to web shops.