Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham revealed that he considered stepping down as leader of the Free National Movement (FNM) ahead of the May 7 general election, but did not because he "felt obligated to the party".
Ingraham said he sought a fourth term as prime minister because he did not want to leave the country when it was still reeling from the effects of the 2008 global financial crisis and could benefit from his experience.
"The party would have had great challenges had I stepped down and not led the party into an election," he said, when asked about his decision to seek a fourth term as prime minister.
"As you know, leadership is a very divisive issue in any party, but I did consider that and determined that it was best for me to lead the party into the election, which I did, and lost.
"[I thought] the experience I gained in office in previous terms should be used for the public's benefit."
The retiring North Abaco MP sat down with The Nassau Guardian for an exclusive interview at his law office on West Bay Street on Wednesday, not long after he was sworn in as a member of Parliament.
It was his first extensive interview since the FNM's loss at the polls on May 7, which left the party with only nine seats in the House of Assembly. The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) captured 29 seats.
Ingraham said Wednesday was his last day in Parliament and that he had no desire to return to the House of Assembly to give a farewell speech, adding that he has already spoken to his constituents.
As he reflected on his long career in politics, the Cooper's Town native said he had no regrets and was proud of his record in public office.
"I did my best; I am a very satisfied man and a very relieved man," said Ingraham, who has been elected eight consecutive times as a member of Parliament.
"I am very comfortable that what I did in office will withstand the judgment of history and that people for years to come will compare others with my tenure."
He added that he was somewhat relieved to be "kicked out" by the Bahamian people because he now had more time for family and leisure pursuits like fishing and travel.
"I'm not sad," he said.
"The reality is I had expected not to be there by now. I intended to be out of the House of Assembly in 2002 and prepared myself mentally for that. When I came back in 2005, I came back as a result of the pressure from people and their request.
"I felt I had an obligation and I said then and I repeated it often that I would stay as long as I could or as long as the people would have me."
Ingraham also revealed that he had not had a conversation with former law partner and friend, Prime Minister Perry Christie, since the election. He said he believes that Christie may be harboring a grudge over comments made about him on the 2012 campaign trail.
"He said on the radio that I was no longer his friend and I suppose that is the relationship from his point of view," Ingraham said.
"I don't want to be friends with somebody who does not want to be friends with me. I called him on election night and didn't get him, had my aide speak to his aide so he knew I called him. He hasn't returned my call.
"I saw him this morning [Wednesday], shook his hand and wished him the best. I have nothing against him. I don't hold grudges, and he may."
When he conceded defeat on May 7, Ingraham also revealed that he would retire from politics.
His resignation will come into effect on July 19, the anniversary of his first election in 1977.

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