Barrister-at-law Dwight Horsford has apparently been given the nod to spearhead the political work of the ruling New National Party (NNP) government in the opposition-dominated St. George North-east constituency.

Informed sources quoted Horsford as saying that he met with the party's Political Leader and Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell over the weekend and was given the green light to lead the NNP work in the area.

The constituency is currently held by another barrister, Nazim Burke of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). Apart from Horsford, the NNP General Secretary, Kennedy Roberts was seen as the other front-runner for the ruling party in the battle.

NNP insiders quoted Horsford as saying that Prime Minister Mitchell would not come out at this stage openly in public and support him for the constituency in order to avoid upsetting the Roberts camp. According to a well-placed source, Roberts has run into problems with a number of senior members of the NNP Executive and will not get their support to contest the seat.

He spoke of family members urging the newly elected NNP General Secretary to quit frontline politics for the time being and to concentrate on completing his studies that would lead to a doctorate in Public Health. In recent weeks, Roberts has not been profiling himself in public but is rather low-keyed at the moment.

The source quoted Horsford as saying that with the help of the Grenadian leader, he stands a very good chance of upsetting Burke in the constituency. "The doc (Keith Mitchell) told me to go and give Naz (Nazim Burke) some real fire and thunder in the constituency", an insider quoted Horsford as saying.

He stated that Horsford appears confident of victory in St. George North east because "the people (are) saying that they don't see Nazim at all". The source stressed that a work programme has already been worked out for Horsford to canvass the area and get the support of residents.

He said the soon to be elected candidate is planning to embark on a series of house visits in order to familiarise himself with the constituency. Horsford was also quoted as telling close supporters of the ruling party that Prime Minister Mitchell is on the hunt for a number of young candidates to contest the next general elections in Grenada.
Minister of Youth Affairs, Emmalin Pierre is already earmarked for the St. Andrew South-east seat.

Last year, Prime Minister Mitchell told party supporters in New York that he was looking for eight new candidates to contest the next poll. Although he did not identify the areas, the NNP is believed to be looking for new candidates in South St. George, the Town of St. George, St. David's, St. Andrew North-west, and St. Patrick East.

The Grenadian leader could remain in office until early 2009 but political pundits expect him to call elections either in late 2007 or early 2008.