…and denies he’s seeking Deputy P.M.’s job

And on recently published speculation that, as part of a Cabinet reshuffle, he might be tapped for the post of Deputy Prime Minister, Smith was as smooth as Teflon.

Godfrey Smith
?The statement that I have been lobbying ever since the convention for the post of Deputy Prime Minister is completely untrue. I have not been lobbying, neither have I caused anybody to lobby on my behalf. I believe that the focus at this time should not be on getting any positions, I have no interest in acquiring the position of Deputy Prime Minister, I believe all of us in Cabinet and all supporters of our government, our attentions and energies should be directed toward dealing with the many challenges you know we face as a government, and from a political standpoint, strengthen our party. And that is how I am deploying my energy. As you are aware, there are also other allegations about Cabinet reshuffles. As you all know, that?s the prerogative of the Prime Minister. I shouldn?t even comment on that except to say that what I read in the newspaper and see on the news is rank speculation. I don?t know what the basis for that is, perhaps it is tied to the commonly known fact that Mr. Shoman has indicated that he will no longer remain in government. That in itself is not new. From the moment he re-entered last year, he made it known that it was for a very limited duration, that he wanted to get on with other things that interested him.?

Adele Ramos, Amandala Newspaper
?So should you be offered the position…?

Godfrey Smith
?I don?t believe that I wish to speculate any further on this, Adele. I have said that I am not interested in acquiring any position of Deputy Prime Minister and I don?t think it?s right to speculate any further. I can?t speculate any further on a matter that is wholly within the prerogative of the Prime Minister.?

Without access to detailed information on G.O.B. financial matters, Smith was unable to answer a number of questions posed by journalists, but expressed a willingness to either have such information or bring the relevant officials with him for the next press briefing.