P.U.P. candidates meet to assess defeat

We have not heard much from the Peoples’ United Party since last Friday when P.U.P. leader Said Musa faced the press at the Princess Hotel. Today most of the thirty-one standard bearers and party officials met at their Queen Street headquarters to take stock and prepare for the role reversal which has placed them in opposition for the first time in a decade. Waiting patiently outside was News Five’s Janelle Chanona, who managed to buttonhole the party leader and two of the men who may seek to replace him.

Francis Fonseca, Area Rep., Freetown
“We are here today to hear from our party leader about his own plans. And that’s why we’re here. He’s convened a meeting of all the candidates and the chairpersons of the various constituencies.”

Janelle Chanona
“But you would accept it if it’s offered to you?”

Francis Fonseca
“No, no, that’s not on the agenda today at all. We are not going to discuss anything about party leader today. Today is just about hearing from our leader after a loss and listening to what he has to say.”

Janelle Chanona
“Looking ahead, you don’t see that in your future?”

Francis Fonseca
“I want to afford my leader every respect that he deserves. I want to hear from him what he has to say today, after today, we can talk about the future.”

Mark Espat, Area Rep., Albert
“Looking forward to the discussion…I think that we have a lot to look at and some soul searching to do and the most important thing is that we take into account the message that the voters sent to us last week Thursday.”

Janelle Chanona
“Do you think that message is stronger in your favour of yourself even though some of the party faithful will say well the G7 and your subsequent actions have discredited you in their eyes?”

Mark Espat
“I wouldn’t want to speculate on that I think the voters of Albert spoke. I appreciate their confidence and let’s see how we move forward.”

Janelle Chanona
“This meeting is just recap, post mortem?”

Said Musa, P.U.P. Leader
“We no have post mortem, the body is not dead.”

A late release from the P.U.P. secretariat says that a convention to elect a new leader will be held on March thirtieth. It notes that National Campaign Manager Ralph Fonseca will also be relinquishing his spot.