Victory and defeat are both replete with irony and paradox. Many a victory is the prelude to eventual defeat and many defeats contain mustard seeds which may be nourished to eventual victory.
Even in losing her bid to become leader of the FNM, Loretta Butler-Turner's stature has risen in the process. She remains one of the premier political leaders, even though she no longer holds any party post. Notably, though women constitute the largest share of the electorate, no women hold any of the major party posts in the PLP or FNM.
Yards away from the bust of her grandfather in Rawson Square and in the same House chamber where Sir Milo Butler championed the rights of the mass of Bahamians, Butler-Turner remains one of the more able and articulate members of Parliament.
She is the most effective voice of the FNM in the House of Assembly, and the most diligent defender of the party's record and champion of the party's ideals, including on matters of equality.
With her run for the leadership of the FNM Butler-Turner made history, becoming the first women to make such a run for a major party. What might Sir Milo think of this milestone, and that it is his granddaughter who is now his political heir? And that she continues his legacy as a member of the Free National Movement?
He likely would have seen in his granddaughter one of the characteristics which made him so beloved, though during much of the struggle for majority rule he was pilloried and personally attacked in the press and by those who opposed his vision of racial equality and social justice.

Courage
What made Sir Milo so beloved was his courage; his courage in fighting for social justice even before the formation of political parties; his courage in seeking employment for black tellers in commercial banks, and the courage he repeatedly displayed in the struggle for racial equality. Sir Milo often stood up to the leadership of the PLP, questioning the party's direction and questioning Sir Lynden's leadership.
When he threw the hourglass out of the window of the House it was an act resonant with extraordinary symbolism. The hourglass was used to time speakers in the chamber. Sir Milo was literally and figuratively upending time, capturing the public imagination and helping to dramatize the burning issue of the day.
Decades later his granddaughter has added more cracks to a glass ceiling that will at some point shatter. Like Sir Milo, Butler-Turner is a champion of equality. This, combined with her courage and other political and personal gifts has made her something of a political phenomenon in the country.
A part of this appeal is the number of PLPs who would vote for the FNM under her leadership, though not otherwise. This includes scores of women who have historically voted PLP as well as quite a number of grass roots voters. Such crossover appeal is often rare. Butler-Turner's appeal also includes the ability to attract DNA voters.
Her leadership bid received plaudits from across the political divide. Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin told The Tribune that "although Mrs. Butler Turner ultimately lost, her bid was enough to create an 'in-road' for other women in politics".
The MP for Yamacraw observed: "'I think as I indicated before the elections, I thought it was democracy at play,' she said. 'As a woman, we're all proud that she stepped forward and she offered herself. Unfortunately she didn't win, but it's still an in-road. Wherever we have women stepping forward for leadership positions we must support it.'"
Minister of State for Transport and Aviation Hope Strachan also spoke to The Tribune.

Character
"Mrs. Strachan said if one were to put Mrs. Butler-Turner's 'character and personality, her outspoken manner' into a man, the choice to elect her for leader would have been 'so much easier for people.'"
The Tribune also reported on the comments of one of Butler-Turner's parliamentary colleagues.
"FNM Senator Heather Hunt also said on Monday that she was proud of the Long Island MP for taking bold steps to close the gender gap in politics and carve out a path for future female politicians."
Hunt stated: "She has definitely beaten down the path, so that anyone who comes behind her or even if she tried again at a later date, she has made history..."
When a snap convention was called and against great odds she ran for the leadership of her party. Her campaign was well-run and upbeat. She articulated her vision for the FNM and the country.
It remains to be seen if various elements in the party are secure enough to listen to her advice or are so afraid of being overshadowed that they will seek to isolate and marginalize Butler-Turner.
Though she fell short, she has proven that she remains a force with which to be reckoned and that she is resilient, one of the most essential elements in life as in politics. Great leaders are tested by how they handle defeat as well as victory.
In party politics, the stronger leaders know how to rally and unify their parties, while the weaker and more insecure tend to become vindictive, seeking to purge opponents and deny nominations to some, creating even greater division.
While many see Butler-Turner as Sir Milo's granddaughter, most now see her in her own light, as someone with the courage of her convictions. Many hope that she may yet make even more history as she continues to work on behalf of her Long Island constituents as well as the thousands of Bahamians inspired by her tenacity and leadership.
In her concession statement Butler-Turner pledged: "The contest for the leadership is over, having demonstrated once again the solid democratic principles upon which our movement was founded and nurtured. Our shared task now is unity.
"As the official opposition the FNM has an essential constitutional role to play and a challenge to prepare for the responsibility of governing. I pledge my full support in these efforts in a spirit of unity and collegiality."
The FNM has in Butler-Turner one of the greater political talents in the country. A wise leadership would utilize her appeal and talents. The country and FNMs at large will judge just how well or otherwise her talents are utilized in the months ahead.

o frontporchguardian@gmail.com, www.bahamapundit.com.

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