Why the VIP lost the election?
“Where I think that we as a Government or as a party lost the election is that we portrayed out there and try to sell through you the media what is happening globally, the economy, the situation that the world economy is in. And faced with and they (NDP) in turn, turned it on us the government, and ask the people to hold us accountable of what is happening here along with our issues with all the infrastructural projects that we had, those with their spins that they put on it seem to reach the heart and soul of the people,” said former At Large representative Irene Penn-O’Neal, at a post- election press conference held by the VIP on November 10, 2011.
Mrs. Penn- O’Neal said it was what the young people in particular wanted to hear and the current Government said just the right things and offered the things for young people and emerged victorious.
Looking back at what they can capitalize on from the last election in moving forward, Mrs. Penn O’Neal said one thing the VIP must recognize is that the politics in this country has changed with more emphasis necessary on the younger population.
“Technology was a big factor in this election. It was used tremendously to the young people’s benefit and this is another area I think we need to look at and we need to handle and make sure that next time around we are better at that game,” she said.
Knocked down but not knocked outThe one-term representative said she also believes the National Democratic Party (NDP) was able to convey to their supporters to vote straight party whereas some of the VIP supporters split their votes and put the VIP where they are today.
However, the Penn-O'Neal who recorded the highest number of votes for the VIP, placing the fifth highest with 3,764 votes, and losing out on having a second term as an At Large representative, said she is not deterred by the results.
“Over my four years one thing that I have realized and come to recognize is that politics is not about me but it’s the people, and when one politician recognizes that, we would begin to accept the decisions on any election and move on.”
She assured her supporters that based on the amount of votes she received it shows that they are still supportive of her candidacy and assured them that she will not disappear but will stay involved and will speak out on issues and support the government in whatever way she can.
“I may have been knocked out but sure have not been knocked down. And this is my message to all of you here who have lost, not only on my team but on all the other parties who ran in this election,” she continued, urging the 30 unsuccessful candidates at the 2011 General Elections to keep at it if they are serious about representing the people.
“…we must stay with the game. Stay in touch, stay with the people, be concerned and let us voice our opinions and speak out when necessary.”
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