By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Democratic National Alliance leader Branville McCartney said the Free National Movement would be “foolish” not to let Dr Hubert Minnis run on its ticket, urging party members to set aside personal differences and focus on winning the next election.

Mr McCartney, a public supporter of Dr Minnis in recent years, said that while he is not an FNM member, it would be unwise to sideline the former prime minister and warned the party would regret it if they did.

“Why,” he said, “wouldn’t you want to run a man who is in Killarney, who’s been there, I think this is going to be his fourth or fifth time running, who’s well-liked, who will win? Why don’t you want to run him?”

Mr McCartney was speaking during a recent interview on ZNS’ The Rundown with host Clint Watson.

His comments come amid uncertainty over Dr Minnis’ future in the party.

FNM leaders have said all potential candidates must complete a training module as part of the party’s selection process — including its former leader.

However, Dr Minnis has said the sessions contradict party procedure.

Nonetheless, he is seeking re-nomination and appears to have the backing of the FNM’s Killarney Constituency Association, with some members saying they would not support any other candidate.

“I have four votes in my house and they will stay at home,” Melvita Collie, a council representative, told The Tribune. “It’s as simple as that.”

Mr McCartney said not running Dr Minnis would hurt the FNM and hand the election to the Progressive Liberal Party.

“You need to come together and fight the next election,” he said. “Otherwise, dog eat your lunch. Brave will have you for lunch, no doubt about that.”

Mr McCartney, who endorsed Dr Minnis during the party’s convention leadership race last year, previously announced that he would return to the FNM if Dr Minnis won.

Asked if he supports the FNM, he said he supports what is best for the country, regardless of whether it’s the FNM, PLP or another party.