A survey is one thing, but reality is another

Tue Nov 26, 2013

Editor: Would there be a new representative for North Leeward come next election? Well, your guess is as good as mine.{{more}}

We would have read in the weekend papers about the candidates seeking to represent ULP in the upcoming election in North Leeward. There is, without doubt, a desire to have a fresh face to represent the constituency of North Leeward on an ULP ticket. Dr Jerrol Thompson, we would all agree, is a nice man and one who loves North Leeward and tried to develop his constituency. He has done some good. He is also a very brilliant person and can speak very well.

We know, according to the polls recently conducted, that it gives North Leeward as belonging to the ULP. However, the reality is that NDP is in a strong position to retain that constituency if Dr Jerrol Thompson is still the candidate for ULP. It would give a different contest should a new candidate run for the ULP.

If we are honest and look at things from an honest position and not biased on either side, we would realize that persons are disappointed with the present representative and would like a change. If the same two candidates on either side contest the election, whenever it is held, there would be a drop in the voters’ turn- out. But knowing the NDP supporters, many who are presently not satisfied with the representative, would still go and vote for the NDP. Thus, it would mean that Mr Roland Matthews would retain his seat since many ULP supporters are not willing to put their vote against Dr Jerrol Thompson’s name. However, a change of candidate can see a larger turnout at the polls for ULP and even persons from the NDP and first time voters can vote for the candidate of the ULP.

It is, therefore, important for the ULP that they seriously analyze the situation concerning the candidate for North Leeward and that whoever is chosen, that all who offered themselves for candidacy and were not selected give their full support for the candidate selected. Failure to do so can mean a retaining of the seat for the NDP and will expose the selfishness of the others who did not make the selection. It can also result in the NDP forming government.

Survey is one thing, but reality is another.

Kennard King