Pace of candidate selection not a worry for ULP – PM

The pace of candidate selection is not a cause for worry for ULP political leader Dr Ralph Gonsalves, who says when the election date is announced his party will be ready.{{more}}

Responding to questions at his press conference yesterday, Dr Gonsalves shared the view that despite the fact that candidates have not yet been identified for a number of constituencies, the party’s focus should be on getting the entire organization prepared for when the bell tolls.

“What must happen is that the party must be prepared, because as you know the candidate is important, but of overarching significance is the party, its vision, its record, its policies, its programmes, and philosophy and leadership, particularly in these small countries.

“It is known in some constituencies that we haven’t decided on some candidates, but as time goes by the issues are getting clearer in the constituencies.

“There are some people that you have your candidates declared well and long in advance… that may be useful in some cases and in some cases not.

“Some persons in the media are saying ‘well why don’t you have your candidates?’…. I know what I am looking for, and I am not wedded to a notion that you have to have your candidates well in advance.”

Gonsalves, who pointed out that he had been involved in

eight general elections and bye-elections (1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2010) said that his party is accustomed to the rigours of elections, and likened the process to a “war” in which he and his party would emerge the victors.

He said that the party is in a state of readiness for the pending “battle” that is constitutionally due by December 2015, and that the date would be announced after thought and prayerful consideration “in my good time.”

“If you have a general… who’s had eight “wars “ under his belt, eight electoral wars, you would say that that’s an experienced general…. I am one of those soldiers who came through the ranks.

“Anytime I pronounce the date for the election you can rest assured that the ULP will be one hundred per cent ready,” Gonsalves said. (JJ)