The PUP's Rebel 12 have all but conceded defeat. Yesterday PUP Leader Francis Fonseca called a meeting of the national executive and the standard bearers where he got support from 66% of the standard bearers and 80% of the executive. In politics, that's called a majority - and that wins everytime. But, while he may have vanquished the rebellion - might it be a pyrrhic victory? We look back briefly at yesterday's events:...
Jules Vasquez reporting
When Dr. Francis Smith walked into PUP Headquarters at Independence Hall yesterday, he went to face a political firing squad - a rebel against the status quo.
While the PUP locked out the media from the vestibule yesterday. We're told the three hour meeting inside was robust and feisty - though the relaxed demeanor of this deputy leader didn't suggest it.
When it was finished leader Francis Fonseca - flanked by 20 standard bearers appeared unusually relaxed - and why not - he had just quashed a rebellion- and the dissidents were absent - too scared to face the super-majority: the absence of any of the good faith intentions
Hon. Francis Fonseca, PUP Leader
"The absence of any of the signatories to this letter without a legitimately documented excuse will only further erode confidence in their good faith intentions."
And after putting them down, Fonseca - without even blinking said that they'd get their convention, but no challenge to the leader.
Henry Usher, Chairman - PUP
"We have not had a national convention since 2010, but we will have it as soon as possible date. We don't have a fix date but we will have one in the near future."
Hon. Francis Fonseca, PUP Leader
"And that the post of party leader will not be open to challenge at that national convention."
And while Fonseca will remain unchallenged - what does the decision mean for the PUP's electability and the public perception of the party? And while these 21 stood shoulder to shoulder today, the question is how long can Fonseca keep a third of his candidates alienated - especially leading personalities from the North, Central and West? Time will answer these questions, but it must do so quickly for the PUP - because elections are coming - and time is a luxury they do not have.
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