And while the PUP tries to generate momentum for a general election which is coming sooner rather than later, the truth of politics is that you can't get momentum without money. And for that, many seasoned political observers feel that the PUP will turn to Michael Ashcroft - who is the biggest single financier in Belize's post independent history. But, recently Ashcroft has been changing his strategy - both in Belize and in the UK where he no longer gives to parties as much as he focuses on what are called marginal seats - basically constituencies that could win with just the right infusion of campaign financing. But today the PUP would not admit to even that; they say Ashcroft has shown no interest in them - and the feeling is mutual:..
Reporter
"The last time you were asked, you were dismissive about the presence of Lord Ashcroft in Belize. Since then, has the PUP met with him? And will the PUP be accepting campaign financing from him?"
Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition
"We just discussed that on the KREMANDALA Show. No, we have not, Jules did not invite me to his meeting with him so I couldn't go. So we haven't heard anything from Lord Ashcroft at all and for me it's a moot question. We are not accepting money from someone who is not offering us money. I don't know if Jules told the man a lot of bad things about me, I don't know. So in any case for us, we are committed to raising money from the Belizean people. That's how we ran our election in 2012. From the Belizean people, the Belizean business community, that's how we're going to do it again whenever the elections are called."
Jules Vasquez
"Sir, but it is not, it is a disingenuous statement and the treasurer will know to say that Mister Ashcroft didn't help in 2012 because I know he did. He helped in 13 strategic seats that is well-known. That is accepted, I have conver-sated with important people about this matter. This is a matter of fact that he had targeted spending in 13..."
Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition
"Sir I will be very clear, he was the treasurer at the time. I was the Party Leader at the time. Absolutely no money came to the People's United Party from Lord Ashcroft. Not to the treasurer, not to the Leader of the party. So you can't tell me...."
Jules Vasquez
"He sent it directly to those seats."
Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition
"Well you seem to know. Maybe he sent money to the UDP, I don't know or a particular candidate. I am saying the People's United Party did not receive any money from Lord Ashcroft in 2012."
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