BUNTING

Byron McDaniel, Gleaner Writer

Walderston, Manchester

Investment banker and former Member of Parliament for South East Clarendon, Peter Bunting, was on Tuesday night presented by chairman of the People's National Party (PNP) Region Five, Michael Peart, as the new PNP candidate for Central Manchester.

The appointment follows the resignation of communications consultant, Vando Palmer, just weeks ago.

The announcement of Bunting's appointment took place in a packed Manchester High School auditorium, in the presence of thousands of supporters and party officials. This followed the announcement by party general secretary, Donald Buchanan of Bunting's selection by the party's national executive council.

He will now square off against the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) Sally porteous for the seat being vacated by incumbent MP John Junor.

In his acceptance speech, Bunting said his return to representational politics after 10 years was to help in the renewal process now under way in the party.

This renewal, he said, began last year with the election of Portia Simpson Miller as Prime Minister and leader of the party, adding that his own quest was not to seek a particular office, but to be part of the structure.

A founding partner and head of the highly respected investment bank, Bunting, Dehring and Golding, Bunting put his position on hold in 1993 to contest the South East Clarendon seat for the PNP against former Prime Minister Hugh Shearer of the JLP. He won by over 1,400 votes. He did not contest the 1997 election and opted to return to his core business.

All platform speakers thanked outgoing candidate Vando Palmer for the work he had done in the constituency so far. Finance Minister Dr. Omar Davies praised the candidate and evoked much laughter during his endorsement of Bunting when he encouraged him while repeating the now infamous 'run wid it' phrase, three times.