Mark Titus, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The People's National Party (PNP) delegates in the contentious constituency of Central Westmoreland have denied supporting the embattled Paul Buchanan as the candidate to represent the constituency in the upcoming general election.

"Paul was just a selectee. The process to select a candidate must go through various phases," a delegate who wished to remain unnamed explained. "There is the polling phase and after that there is a sounding phase, then recommendation is made."

The delegates were attending a closed-doors meeting held in Savanna-la-Mar on Friday with Minister of Agriculture Roger Clarke and the parish committee, led by chairman Senator Noel Montieth.

The delegates were in a reconciliatory mood, as alleged former supporters of Paul Buchanan were seen speaking with the prospective candidate.

Councilor Devon Thomas of the North Savanna-la-Mar division told The Sunday Gleaner that 90 per cent of the PNP supporters were behind Roger Clarke.

Mr. Buchanan had been working in the constituency for almost four months, since incumbent Member of Parliament Karl Blythe's announcement that he was stepping down as the constituency's representative. Buchanan won the constituency selection contest in September.