Garwin Davis, Gleaner Writer

Peter Bunting, investment banker, returning to representational politics. - File

Peter Bunting, investment banker and chief executive officer of Dehring, Bunting and Golding (DB&G), yesterday confirmed what had been widely speculated - that he was returning to representational politics on behalf of the governing People's National Party (PNP).

Contacted yesterday, Mr. Bunting said he would be making himself available to contest a seat for the PNP in the upcoming general election, but would only do so in a constituency "where I am welcome".

"There are two seats that are available - Central Manchester and South East St. Ann, Mr. Bunting said. "There is a process that has to be followed, but I will tell you that it is not my intention to thrust myself on anybody. I would have to feel that I would be welcomed."

Mr. Bunting entered politics in 1993 where he scored a memorable upset for the PNP by beating the legendary trade unionist and former Prime Minister Hugh Shearer in South Eastern Clarendon, outpolling him 6,658 votes to 5,215.

It is worth noting that Mr. Shearer in 1980 had won the seat by a whopping majority of 6,534 and also that Mr. Bunting's 1993 victory was the first time the PNP was winning the seat.

Asked to explain the real motivation behind giving up a very successful banking career to return to politics, Mr. Bunting said: "I have always maintained that I was an accidental businessman. My real love has always been politics - wanting to serve people. I got into business because of circumstances - being a father of two children and knowing that I had to make a decent living to provide for them."

Pressed on whether it also had to do with the possibility of him becoming the new Finance Minister in the event of an electoral victory by the PNP, Mr. Bunting added: “That is way too premature. I have not yet been given a seatÉan election has not yet been announced and you are already giving me the post of Minister of FinanceÉdon’t you think we are getting a little ahead of ourselves here?”

But does he consider it a gamble? “If you are asking in the context of whether I win or lose, no I don’t see it as a gamble,” he said. “If I win then I will get the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people and if I lose I guess there are other things I could do to keep myself busy.”

Leaving DB&G

Mr. Bunting will leave DB&G at the end of June 2007. Anya Schnoor, Senior Vice President of Wealth Management at Scotiabank will replace him as CEO effective July 1.

“Leaving DB&G was not an easy decision to make,” Mr. Bunting said. “As one of the principal founders of the company, DB&G will always hold a special place in my heart.”

He added: “I have every confidence however, that Anya Schnoor will continue to make DB&G a success, and the existing clients can be assured that DB&G will continue to provide the level of personalized service that they have become accustomed to. I hand over the baton to someone who I feel is highly qualified for the position.”

William E. Clarke, President & Chief Executive Officer, Scotiabank Jamaica said: “Peter Bunting has made an invaluable contribution to DB&G and the entire financial sector. He will be missed.