Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

Veteran politician and Member of Parliament for North-East St. Catherine, Abe Dabdoub, was officially presented as the People's National Party (PNP) candidate for West Portland, by party chairman Robert Pickersgill on Sunday night.

The presentation of the embattled MP as candidate for that constituency ends months of speculation about Mr. Dabdoub's plans of contesting the next general election on a PNP ticket. He is to replace sitting MP, Errol Ennis, who is quitting representational politics.

Deeply touched

At Sunday night's presentation, held at the Buff Bay Primary School, Mr. Dabdoub said he was deeply touched as, after supporting the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) for more than 45 years, the "noble" PNP party had considered him a suitable and proper candidate to represent them.

"I am overwhelmed and flattered that the comrades of West Portland see it fit to place their trust in me," said Mr. Dabdoub.