NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Intense speculation surrounds the Progressive Liberal Party’s selection for the Killarney constituency, with former Senator Robyn Lynes emerging as a prominent potential candidate in what political observers anticipate will be a fiercely contested electoral battle. The Tribune has verified that officials from the PLP’s Killarney branch conducted a meeting with Ms. Lynes on Monday evening, where branch representatives expressed strong support for her potential candidacy, noting she remains the only individual to have shown substantive interest in the seat thus far. Although interviewed by the party’s Candidate Committee recently, Lynes has maintained a strategically ambiguous position, indicating willingness to accept any constituency the party leadership might assign without specifying preferences. Party insiders acknowledge limited available options but confirm active efforts to identify a suitable riding for her nomination. Meanwhile, Killarney branch supporters emphasize their readiness to collaborate with whomever the party ultimately designates, with one committed member stating: ‘We as a branch, whomever the party sends, we work with. No fussing. No fighting.’ The nomination landscape grows increasingly complex as ZNS General Manager Clint Watson also enters consideration amid ongoing uncertainty regarding the Southern Shores constituency where he has sought nomination. Senator Ronald Duncombe, who previously contested Killarney unsuccessfully during the last election cycle, remains noncommittal about his political intentions, declaring he will serve wherever the Prime Minister determines he is most needed. Despite his ambiguous status, Duncombe asserts that both his team and local branch maintain active operations within the constituency, expressing unwavering confidence in the PLP’s electoral prospects regardless of candidate selection. He references potential vote-splitting advantages due to former Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis’s independent candidacy as a significant factor that might benefit the PLP. However, some branch members indicate Duncombe has operated somewhat independently from the formal branch structure, acknowledging his consistent financial contributions and event participation while suggesting he could enhance engagement with branch-specific activities. The Free National Movement has already formalized Senator Michela Barnett-Ellis as their candidate, intensifying pressure on the PLP to finalize their nomination strategy ahead of Sunday’s anticipated ratification of remaining candidates.
