Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn confirmed last night that he will not get a nomination for the Free National Movement (FNM).

The Nassau Guardian understands that the party is considering prominent businessman Dionisio D'Aguilar to run in Montagu.

"I'm not going to be a candidate for the FNM," said Lightbourn outside the FNM's Mackey Street headquarters.

On Tuesday, he told The Nassau Guardian that he was still seeking the nomination.

Lightbourn did not explain last night whether he withdrew consideration or whether he was asked to step aside.

There had been calls within and outside the FNM for him to be denied the nomination ever since he suggested at the party's convention on July 28 that the state tie the tubes of unwed mothers with more than two children.

Lightbourn suggested that this would ease the burden on the state.

He came under tremendous fire, even after he apologized for the statement.

The Montagu MP was one of six FNM MPs who were highly critical of party leader Dr. Hubert Minnis and threatened to write to the governor general to have Minnis removed as leader of the Official Opposition.

Some strong Minnis supporters had suggested that none of the six be ratified.

Of the six, Loretta Butler-Turner, the Long Island MP, is the only one who has been nominated.

Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant and North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly recently announced that they were not seeking nominations.

Fort Charlotte MP Dr. Andre Rollins said ahead of the convention that he would not seek a nomination if Minnis remains as leader.

Minnis emerged as leader from the convention and Rollins confirmed that his position remained the same.

But this week, he said if he is offered a nomination from the FNM he would consider accepting it.

Yesterday, Rollins said Long Islanders don't want Butler-Turner on their ticket and suggested they want him to run as an FNM.

He also said he would be prepared to run as an independent.

It is unclear whether the party will nominate Hubert Chipman, the St. Anne's MP, to run again in that constituency or anywhere else.

Chipman has said he still wants to run as an FNM in St. Anne's.

Last night, senior FNM C. A. Smith would not say why Lightbourn is not running.

He said, "I think Richard has much to offer the national campaign and he can do it in ways other than being a candidate, and so I am very happy that he has determined that he will use his skills in helping to get rid of the PLP."

Candia Dames, Guardian Managing Editor

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