Amidst much speculation that he is among the prospective candidates for the United Workers Party (UWP) in Castries South, veteran journalist and talk show host, Timothy Poleon, briefly addressed the matter this week.
During his radio program on Monday, a male caller challenged the journalist to enter politics by pointing to Martin Bell— a former British journalist who served as the MP for Tatton in the United Kingdom from 1997-2001. “Have you ever heard of a former BBC wartime journalist called Martin Bell?” he asked. “In 1997 when Tony Blair came into government, he, Martin Bell, actually ran on an independent ticket in a constituency that had a large conservative majority, but he ran on an anti-sleaze ticket.
“At that time the sitting MP was a man called Neil Hamilton and he got himself involved in some scandal regarding cash-for-questions in the House, and Martin Bell overturned a really large majority,” the caller said.
He went on: “Now I was thinking that you are a journalist, and you are from the Faux a Chaud area I think; I’ve heard you say so. I think it is time that you put your hat in the ring to contest that seat [Castries South]. Not necessarily on an independent ticket but… I think you should give that consideration.”
“Okay sir,” Poleon responded. “Thank you so much. Well, I mean… let me just say briefly that attempts are being made to turn me into a politician. That’s all I will say on this particular issue.”
Health Minister Mary Isaac and Buffalo Odlum have publicly stated their desire to contest Castries South on a UWP ticket. Meanwhile, current MP Dr. Ernest Hilaire is confident that he will be re-elected. At a recent press conference, he stated: “Well I mean to be honest with you, I am not even following or very interested in what the UWP is doing.”
Hilaire asserted that for the last four years he represented his constituents to the best of his ability, and organized activities for the various communities in the constituency— bringing people together and building relationships. “If I serve my constituents well, I am confident that I will win the next election,” he said.
“So I’m not too concerned whether it is Buffalo and I have to become a hunter to go after him. Whether it’s Timothy and I’ll have to be running behind him somewhere. You know I’m really not even too concerned with Mary… I mean some people tell you ‘Mary se on fanm fol [Mary is a crazy woman], don’t worry with her if she goes up, you must win.’ You know all different things. I’m not too bothered with that, I am very focused on serving the people of Castries South.”
Stating that the last election campaign was very rushed, the MP added: “Whoever they send I’ll be ready for them. I mean, you know, I’m no longer a political virgin in this thing so it will be a lot different next time.”
Per data from the Electoral Department, in 2016 Hilaire defeated Mary Isaac by 46 votes.
