KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, March 7, IWN — Louise Mitchell-Joseph, daughter of founder of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), former prime minister Sir James Mitchell, says she is not yet ready to become an election candidate.
Mitchell-Joseph’s comments to I-Witness News this week came in the wake of another call by her father for NDP president, Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace, to step down at the head of the party.
There was some speculation that Sir James’ comments, in a television programme, were part of his plan to have his daughter become a candidate for the NDP.
Asked if she had interest in becoming an election candidate, Mitchell-Joseph told I-Witness News, “Not at this time.”
She also said she was “not at that stage yet” where she could say when she will enter politics as a candidate.
The NDP has been in opposition since March 2001, after 17 years in power.
“I think the party is an entrenched institution in St. Vincent that is going to be there for all time, and, as such, his legacy is strong because the party is strong,” she said of the party and Sir James.
“Every party goes through changes and difficult times, but, the point is, the base of the party is strong and that’s what matters.”
She, however, said that she did not see the programme in which her father called for Eustace to go, and did not comment on his statements.
“I have read about it but I didn’t see the programme,” Mitchell-Joseph said.