The United Democratic Party emerged from yesterday's convention as a united front this afternoon with a pre-scheduled press conference at the Radisson Hotel. Officially the event was held to introduce the new members if the executive, but it seemed more like an opportunity to show a united front after a divisive campaign. Carlos Perdomo and John Saldivar were defeated but this afternoon you wouldn't know it from their gracious concession speeches. In front of party supporters and standard bearers both Saldivar and Perdomo made public their continued support of the party and the executed they tried to win a seat on.
Carlos Perdomo, Defeated
"Now we put all our efforts, all our energies, and all our loyalty into one campaign that will change this corrupt and uncaring government. I give, as I have always given, the Leader my full and indisputable support to you and national leadership of out team. Today I am in solidarity as I always have with my party. I am a team player and I am also a team builder. Long live the UDP."
Hon. John Saldivar, Defeated
"I have always been a team player and I don't think I need to get up here to say that. But perhaps for the media, they need to know that the United Democratic Party is what our name says, united and strong. And I therefore stand strong, as I've always had, with my party leader and with the elected leaders of this party. We must now focus on winning the next election and defeating the enemy not only of the UDP but of this country, the PUP."
But can the party really emerged unified? Both party leader Dean Barrow and his new right hand man Gaspar Vega said yes.
Gaspar Vega, UDP First Deputy
"I am committed to my party but more than that to my country. I stand firm, strong. Together with all my colleagues I know that whenever they call the next elections we will be ready because of the unity we will have."
Hon. Dean Barrow, UDP Leader
"I don't see that there is currently or is going to be any difficulties whatsoever in this party now moving forward with complete institutional and as much personal harmony as any organization or endeavor fashioned by man can have."
When asked about Senator Marcel Cardona and his future in the UDP as a senator, Barrow said there is no connection between the two. He did however say that the party had previously planned to rotate their senators so in effect there is no guarantee Cardona will remain a UDP senator. The UDP also changed its constitution to make room for four regional managers who will chosen within the next sixty days. There were also 12 policy papers presented at yesterday's convention.
