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Moniz, UBP in new clash?

Trevor Moniz

Opposition MP Trevor Moniz may turn down the offer of the Telecommunications portfolio in the new Shadow Cabinet.

The outspoken MP was offered the post last week by United Bermuda Party leader Grant Gibbons after returning from a holiday which began straight after the election.

But he said: "Discussions were inconclusive."

The Smith's West representative said he had turned down the telecommunications portfolio when he was offered it last time by former leader Pamela Gordon.

It was the only brief remaining after Dr. Gibbons reshuffled his Shadow cabinet a week ago.

"It's not an area which is top of my list of desirable ministries or the top of anyone's list, obviously," said Mr. Moniz. "That's why it was left over."

Mr. Moniz denied the timing of his holiday affected Dr. Gibbons' decision. He said: "I was only a phone call away.

"The fact I was off the Island was a red herring. In this day and age it's pretty easy to get a hold of people."

Before the election Mr. Moniz held the Transport brief but was sidelined during the campaign with Jamahl Simmons speaking on those issues. Mr. Simmons was given the transport role in the reshuffle.

Mr. Moniz said the Transport brief hadn't been his first choice but he had taken it as a peace offering after he was admitted back into the party fold after three years in the wilderness after the whip was withdrawn after colleagues said he missed caucus meetings and House sessions.

But he said it was hinted he would get a promotion when something else came up.

Mr. Moniz earned the wrath of party colleagues by pioneering a register of interests and for taking a stand against independence and former leader John Swan's bid to bring McDonald's to Bermuda.

Mr. Moniz admitted he wasn't the most popular figure in the party.

"I don't think anyone can deny that I am not top of anyone's list. But I am one of the three most senior members.

"Along with David Dodwell and John Barritt I am one of the last remaining members who were elected in 1993.

"I don't think it's egotistical to say that I have something positive to offer the party."

Despite the snub Mr. Moniz said he was not considering doing anything drastic and said that it was possible not to have a portfolio - neither Pam Gordon or Maxwell Burgess had a shadow ministry at the end of the last parliament.