EARLY INDICATIONS from members of the parliamentary Opposition show that leadership contender for the presidency of the People's National Party (PNP), Dr Peter Phillips, is receiving more support from this group than incumbent President Portia Simpson Miller.

Six members of parlia-ment (MPs) have said they would support Phillips in his bid to lead the party.

Another six MPs told The Gleaner yesterday they were undecided or needed time to consult with their constituents before making a decision.

Two MPs said they would not disclose their preference in the leadership race, while one person refused to comment. The Gleaner could not reach eight MPs for comments.

Unnecessary distraction

Roger Clarke, the only sitting MP who has pledged support for the current party president, told The Gleaner/Power 106 News yesterday that Phillips' decision to challenge Simpson Miller was an unnecessary distraction.

He argued that the move would shift focus from the performance of the Government at this time.

"There are people who have sworn blind loyalty to both sides. I hope it isn't as bitter as the last time," he said of the presidential race.

Clarke, who is in Simpson Miller's political inner circle, played a major role in her presidential election victory in 2006.

Meanwhile, several PNP caretakers have commented on the leadership race.

Oswest Senior-Smith, caretaker for North East St Ann, said yesterday the party needed someone with the requisite skills and ability to take on the rigours of national leadership at this time. Phillips is the man for the job, he said.

Solid allegiance

Caretaker for West Portland, Abe Dabdoub, who is known to be a strong supporter of Simpson Miller said: "As a man coming from the JLP (Jamaica Labour Party), this is déjà vu for me".

Rosemarie Shaw, caretaker and deputy chairperson for West St Thomas, said her allegiance to Phillips was solid. "I am not a person to be shilly-shallying. My support for Peter remains unchanged."

Another outspoken MP, Dean Peart, was blunt in his support for Phillips, noting he was not comfortable with the current leadership.

"She (Simpson Miller) has not done a good job of uniting the party," he said.

Party still recovering

However, his brother Michael Peart, South Manchester MP, is concerned the party has not recovered fully from the last presidential race. He told The Gleaner there was need for greater consolidation within the ranks of the party. The senior MP said he hoped the party would learn valuable lessons from the past.

Scean Barnswell, caretaker for South East Clarendon, said he supported Simpson Miller for the top job, but contended that the challenge by Phillips was "premature and will only tear the party apart".

edmond.campbell@gleanerjm.com