DESPITE publicly stating his intention to run again as the Free National Movement’s (FNM) candidate in his constituency, executives in the party are in the process of discussing Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn’s future with the FNM, taking into account the ramifications of his controversial “tube tying” comments at the July convention, The Tribune understands.

According to multiple sources, FNM executives are considering denying Mr. Lighbourn a re-nomination and this was reportedly communicated to him in a meeting yesterday.

It is said that a well-known businessman is the top pick for the Montagu candidacy, The Tribune was told.

However, party insiders last night insisted that Mr. Lightbourn will not go easily and that the party will have to force him out if their plans to oust him are to materialise.

Sources went on to stress that the party is still struggling to gain a financial footing and has set in motion plans to target wealthy Bahamians for various seats to secure campaign funding.

Attempts made to reach both Mr. Lightbourn and FNM Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis last night were unsuccessful.

Mr. Lightbourn was the target of fiery criticism after he offered up contentious comments at the party’s July convention saying it was necessary for the Bahamas to consider adopting the practice of sterilising unwed mothers after the birth of their second child.

Mr. Lightbourn prefaced the controversial suggestion, on the second night of the FNM convention, with a generalisation that children born in unstable family situations often grow to participate in criminal activities.

While the party distanced itself from the remarks, Members of Parliament, specifically leading Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) women MPs, later called for his resignation over the comments.

He later apologised, saying he never intended to offend anyone, but had sought to speak to the need for effective parenting and the support for a strong family structure which will go a long way toward solving many of the country’s social ills.

Mr. Lightbourn is one of the ‘Gang of Six’ MPs who wrote to the party’s Central Council outlining Dr. Minnis’ weaknesses as a leader. That group also included St. Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman, North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, and Fort Charlotte MP Dr. Andre Rollins. Mr. Neilly has announced he will not contest the next election while Dr. Rollins said he will not be seeking a FNM constituency nomination but would run as an independent.

By Khrisna Virgil, Tribune Deputy Chief Reporter

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