And, while his comments on integrity in public life is one thing, in the UDP right now, it's all about the leadership battle - where integrity seems to be in very scarce supply.
Right now it's more about axes to grind, which - by some counts - has put Faber at a disadvantage - and some key areas of support have gone to the Saldivar side.
And then there's that political wild card, Orange Walk North's Gaspar Vega - who's rumored to be making a political resurgence. Vega and Saldivar have been allies in the past and the BVega war chest is still considered formidable
Today Faber said that it's fine with him if Vega supports Saldivar:..
Reporter
"Sir, there is the rumored comeback of Gaspar Vega. They say he's allying with your opponent, John Saldivar, what's your thought on that?"
Hon. Patrick Faber - Aspirant, UDP Leader
"Well, I'm not certain. I'll have to agree with what the Prime Minister has said on this topic, that in fact, Gaspar has been active to some point in the constituency. He has never left the party, and that is that. As to his alignment with Saldivar, I will imagine that he wouldn't support me if he does get involved in terms of being active in the campaign. Remember that this was a man that I opposed in my first run for the deputy leadership."
"I would imagine that he, if he has to pick a side, that it wouldn't be my side, and I am okay with that."
"As I've said, Mr. Saldivar and I have been in the race before. In 2010, he was my opponent for the Chairman. I defeated him soundly. And 2016 again, he was the candidate that I contested against for the deputy leadership of the party, and I then defeated him soundly. So, it's just a matter of time."
Reporter
"This time, though, sir, two notable divisions, Mesopotamia and Corozal Southeast have their support in favor of his camp. There are reports suggesting that you have strong opponents who are in senior leadership within this party, apart from Mr. Saldivar, himself, sir. What are your comments on that?"
Hon. Patrick Faber
"Again, I don't know where you get, in terms of this speculation. It is a lot of talk, but when you see a leader - like I'll take the Willoughby case on. When you see a leader like Phillip Willoughby, who you know that I have helped tremendously, and many are chastising for being a bit ungrateful, and I believe rightly so. But, Phillip is my colleague, and I continue to support in whatever way we can because we do need the seat for the victory of the UDP, the 4th consecutive term. But, when you see one person jumping out - and I've proven this time and time again - that does not mean that all the delegates from a constituency are in that same vein. And ultimately, I think people are going to rally around a leader who they know can win. And for me and the people who support me, and I believe the wider majority of this party - again, not because I say so, but because it has been proven time and time again, they see me as the better candidate for the leadership of this party, and for taking us forward."
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