PLP leadership contest: Poll results

Since Ewart Brown announced he would be challenging Alex Scott for the leadership of the PLP at this week's delegates' conference, I've been running two polls to see who you would prefer to see win.

The results were as follows:

The PLP Leadership

Ewart Brown has announced his intention to challenge Alex Scott for the leadership of the PLP at the upcoming party conference. There is also speculation that Paula Cox may be persuaded to stand. Who would you prefer to see emerge as the party's leader? [402 votes total] Paula Cox (219) 54% Someone else (84) 21% Ewart Brown (71) 18% Alex Scott (28) 7%

Alex vs Ewart

If no other candidates put themselves forward, who would you prefer to see as the PLP's leader? [363 votes total] Alex Scott (196) 54% Ewart Brown (167) 46%

From these results, it's clear that more of those who were hoping Paula Cox or someone else would run for leader would prefer to see Alex Scott emerge victorious. What's less certain is whether that's because they would rather Mr. Scott was running the country than Dr. Brown, or because they think that the UBP are more likely to win the next election if Mr. Scott is still in charge.

Regardless, today's announcement that Paula Cox is throwing her support behind Mr. Scott will certainly have bolstered the Premier's chances of holding on to power. If that means that Ms. Cox emerges as the new Deputy Leader, so much the better.

Comments

[Jamaican Q on 25.10.06 at 23:58]

Limey..here is my view as an outsider. Politics is a tricky thing. We learned that the hard way down here. I remember when our current PM was vying for the top job...most middle/upper class people sat on their patios and ranch homes in the hills overlooking Kingston and debated and debated and debated until they were blue in the face. It was clear that we would rather see someone from the 'intelligensia' win....rather than have some woman with an insignificant level of education, with a very basic command of the English language and VERY grassroots to the bone. Everyone was confident that her main opponent with his plethora of qualifications and sensationalism would beat her...To our (middle class/upper class) horror, she won! You know why? Because of her link to the grassroots which comprise 80% of Jamaica....finally one of "them" can get to the top...they identified with her. My take on this matter is this....it seems that Mr. Scott connects well with the grassroots (Am I right?) and the mere fact that Cox is backing him...it almost guarantees him a confirmed win. I find that web site polls are often wrong because really there is no scientific evidence in your methodology, analysis etc....so...I wish Mr. Scott all the best!

[NoVote on 26.10.06 at 00:44]

Jamaica Q - you're probably right. Unfortunately it means that Alex Scott has no real incentive to sort out the education system in Bermuda!

[Lost in Flatts on 26.10.06 at 06:37]

I've always had this problem with politics. Take the Bush campaign - his PR wizards had him putter around on a driving lawn mower in his garden - there we go, just good ole Georgie, just your regular, typical American. The kind of guy you'd share a beer with, watch some football, sit off on the porch.

Why the hell do we want a typical, average Joe to be the President? I damn well want the Nobel Laureates up there, the best minds in the country.

That's the problem I have with Alex Scott, and the PLP leadership generally (up til Brown, if he gets it). These are not the most intelligent, most articulate, most proven leaders in the community. No, instead they're generally just people that resonate with the majority of voters, as a nice guy/lady, with a good family or the like. Shouldn't our very best be leading the country?

I'm not sure what the actual number is, I used to know before the 98 election, but there was an incredibly low number of PLP MP's who even have a degree. Now I know one doesn't NEED an education to be successful, but my biggest problem with the PLP as a government is that many had not proven themselves in business, nor had hte academic credentials, so why should we expect them to do well at running a country?

Back to the US: 'W' maintained a straight C average through Yale, which he only got into cause of he was. Shouldn't the electorate be looking for an A student to lead them?

[Lost in Flatts on 26.10.06 at 07:01]

As a quick addition to previous post - that's another reason I'd like to see Paula Cox in a more prominent position - she's proven herself to be competent and successful.

[loki on 26.10.06 at 07:13]

Lost In Flats,

I've seen plenty of college graduates - Dr.'s, lawyers, etc - who were dumb as rocks. You can't buy common senses, alas......

[weaselguard on 26.10.06 at 07:53]

While I concur that Ms Cox is successful in business, I find her lacking a key leadership skill. Communication. Though I feel she would like to be perceived as humble, I find that by the end of a communication, although I understand the meaning of individual words, I quite often have no comprehension of what the general point of her communication was. She combines so many synonyms that in the past I dubbed her the human thesaurus.

As an aside, I referred to former PLP Tourism MInister, the late David Allen as the human didgeridoo; he spoke on the inhale and the exhale.

[island dweller on 26.10.06 at 07:58]

Lost in Flatts,

You are lost. Brains yes. I would prefer common sense.

For a politics the getting things done is important and well as protecting your constituents from harm - financial, physical or otherwise.

Brown is good, but blatantly dishonest. Although it may be in the best interest of the constituents, it must be understood, he cannot solely decide the fate of people.

Scott is OK, but he must stop attempting to push the envelope. Independence, Hospital, and other things. You serve best when you are balance the wishes of the people with the vision of party, not the vision of part over the people.

Flatts, just remember, 5 cents is 5 cents if you are bum or millionaire. This is to say people are people regardless the degree of education.... stupid is as stupid does.

[Copper on 26.10.06 at 08:12]

Quite possibly people are happier with the devil they know.

[Jamaican Q on 26.10.06 at 09:02]

NoVote: What's wrong with the education system in Bermuda? Or should I judge it on a few Bermudians who can't spell...that I have come across? (smile..don't kill me..thatw as just some humor).

Polticans practice politics and what researchers should go in the field and find out is....in what order should qualities of a leader matter? I can tell you that down here....on the top of the list is the popular...and our PM has been the most popular politician in Jamaica for the last 20 years...in fact she is in the top 100 most powerful women in the WORLD based on Forbes magazine's listing 2 months ago.....

Second in line...belive it or not....is integrity....people care about that before they even want to know if you have any sense.

[ken on 26.10.06 at 09:14]

Actually Lost in flatts, i think the following do have college degrees -
Dean Foggo, Renee Webb, Patrice Minors, Paula Cox, Nelson bascome, Alex Scott, Ewart Brown, dale Butler, Randy Horton, Terry Lister, Dennis Lister, Michael Scott. Then you have Wayne Perinchief who I am not sure about but his years as Asst Commissioner of Police should speak to something.
A college degree is not the be all and end all of a person's life nor is it the only measureable factor of their abilities and capabilities. It is not know why certain members were not able to attend college, though I can probably guess they were financial reasons. But in some cases, I would actually prefer the person who has worked his/her way up because then they have seen it all.
Your opinion on the PLP's lack of education is reflective of the classism and elitism that tried to keep the PLP from assuming the government. In reality, the greater majority of the electorate doesnt care about whether their MPs have college degrees or not. It is only one measure of accomplishment.

[Jamaican Q on 26.10.06 at 09:32]

Ken....I am one of those people that generally belives that the electorate doesn't necessarily know what's good for them all the time...yes....it's great to have someone who has seen it all make it to the top....but in my eyes their level of education matters. It tells me that achievement counts more than ascription...but hey....it's what the collective conscience agrees on that counts....but in our case here....we were warned about choosing who we have chosen....and we are learning daily that we should have listened....unfortunately it's the "masses" view that counts....and so the rest have to suffer...but YES....a degree matters because it still takes the intelligensia to ensure that the government is run properly...while the MPs go around and chat BS!

[Jamaican Q on 26.10.06 at 09:32]

Pardon my spelling errors y'all....I can spell...but typing in a rush is not my forte:))

Cheers!

[Casual Observor on 26.10.06 at 09:35]

Jamaican Q -

In a lot of ways all a college degree means is that one is capable of retaining and reciting information for short periods of time... a questionable measure of accomplishment.

[Lost in Flatts on 26.10.06 at 09:43]

I figured some would disagree with me, just my opinion afterall. Put it this way, why should running the public sector be all that different from running the private sector? You argue that education is not the be all and end all - of course not - but to get into a high level job you need experience and a good degree to back it up. Surely the people running the country should also exhibit these characteristics? Or should the standards for running the public sector be lower than the private sector?

Ken - Apologies, I realise you'll now paint me with the whole elitist brush, which is unfortunate, but I honestly do remember looking at the candidates, pre 98, and being told only a handful had degrees. Looking at those above, clearly it depends on what you take to be a handful.

The question in my mind is, do you want politicans who can smile, shake hands, hold babies and talk - or do you want people that will give you the best public education, best services, the best Bermuda. Then again there's always the Guv'nator...

[ken on 26.10.06 at 09:51]

Jamaican Q, Lost In flatts,

I am not saying that a college degree isn't recommended or even maybe preferred, because it does show a level of achievement, but i am saying that just because one has a college degree doesnt make them experts, and one that is not formally educated is not necessarily a fool.

[Casual Observor on 26.10.06 at 10:04]

LIF -

You also have to look at the era in which some of these politicians were raised in... Higher learning in the form of a post-graduate degree was not always attainable for a variety of reasons.

And to add to ken's comments... some of the biggest idiots have college degrees. It is a measure of achievement, yes, but we need to be careful how much weight we place on this.

[Jamaican Q on 26.10.06 at 10:08]

Casual Observer....I think that your judgment of having a degree is wrong.....An UNDERGRADUATE degree signals that if someone hires you you are "trainable". I am currently doing Post-graduate studies and then will go on to my Phd...which means in a few months I will be a MASTER of my art and then a DOCTOR of my art......and trust me....it will tell people that i am nore than just "trainable". Being a DOCTOR of my art, I will be in a position to make judgements based on experience, research, empirical evidence etc...

The problem with the common man is that they tend to individualise situations and because the professional views and their views are not in synch...they claim that the professional is incorrect or full of hot air. Let me invite you to rethink your perspective on higher education.

[Lost in Flatts on 26.10.06 at 10:10]

Casual Observer - You're right about the generational gap, hadn't really factored that in. Then again, that's partly cause I want to see some yougn faces in parliament, perhaps the current generation should have more to say about running today and the future than the older crowd...

[Pompous G Windbag III jnr. on 26.10.06 at 10:15]

LIF, Ken et al

It is not as if these guys being asked to do more than carry out the responsibilities of a small town. The absence of foreign, monetary and defence policy burdens mean that its not the most demanding job in the world - at least the compensation is world class though...

[ken on 26.10.06 at 10:16]

Also, just to clarify, there may be other PLP MPs with degrees, I just am not sure of them. My list may or may not be exhaustive.

[Casual Observor on 26.10.06 at 10:24]

Jamaican Q -

I would much rather seek counsel from somebody who is a Master in Life than a Master in Business, Science, etc. All the academic achievement in the world means nought if you lack common sense, life skills, integrity and the ability to apply it.

I am not trying to minimize or take away from those who have spent the time and money for those letters behind their name. There are some 'Masters' and 'Doctors' of their Art who are totally inept when it comes to the most basic of life and social skills.

I stand by my opinion that book smarts is only a starting point and that we have to be careful how much weight we attach to such. There are masters in a variety of fields who have never stepped foot inside a classroom. And one doesn't have to look too hard to know that there are a slew of self-made men, groundbreakers in our society who do not hold a recognized degree.

[Casual Observor on 26.10.06 at 10:27]

LIF -

Likewise, I would love to see younger faces in Parliament - perhaps those that have not become jaded pr so caught up in the traps of politics and could offer a fresher, newer perspective. One of the things that has stood out to me about Ewart Brown is that he genuinely seems interested in including the younger generation.

[The Lion on 26.10.06 at 11:25]

My undergraduate degree taught me how to drink profusely, chase women and dodge any responsibility (all with varying degrees of success). Politics 101.

[Jamaican Q on 26.10.06 at 11:32]

The Lion : This is why they have various GRADES of degrees. When someone tells me they have a degree, I wonder what class of degree they have....Please tell me you gained all that knowledge and experience and attained at least a low honours degree? Less than a degree with honors tells me you were registered there and went through the system...learned a thing or 2 and now they are certifying that you did all that....

[Uncle Elvis on 26.10.06 at 11:33]

What's wrong with the elite?

What's wrong with wanting the best of the best to do the job?

I'm all for a meritocracy, where the best rise to the top and I don't see anything wrong with that, do you?

This "Oh, he's as good as her and she's as good as him, we're all equal and the same and kisses and rainbows" is bullshit. Some people are better at doing things than others. Me, I can draw up a storm. I'm not a horrible singer and quite a good entertainer. I'm funny and have a good mind for tivia and an ok one for logic. Run a business? Hell no. Do accounting? Not something my brain does. Run the country? Not in a million years. I wouldn't even vote for me!
I've been through the school of life.
Kinda wish I had gone to college.
There are people better suited for running the country than others. It's not elitist to say so.

Classist, maybe, based on our history and the fact that my generation, pretty much, is the first generation where black folks had a much more even shake at getting scholarships and getting to college. Here's to hoping that counts for something in the near future.

[The Lion on 26.10.06 at 11:42]

BA(hons) from a UK university.

[Jamaican Q on 26.10.06 at 11:47]

Well said Uncle Elvis! What a lot of people don't realise is this. Being a Minister of Govt doesn't require any super brain power. Why? Because in reality, it is the TECHNOCRATS like the Permanent Secretary...who is usually more qualified and way more experienced than the minister him/herself that guides policy direction. Even though the Minister has the last word...it would be wise for the Minister to shut the F**K up and listen to the PS or else it could cost them his/her entire career.

That is the misperception which people have of MPs. Just like a rock star...they are just the mouth piece....if you don't listen to the managment team or the agents etc...your career is washed up...while the technocrats move on to someone else.

That's just the cold hard facts of life!

[SmokingGun on 26.10.06 at 11:49]

Ms. Paula Cox throwing her support behind the Premier might actually be a good thing for Bermuda as a whole. For the short term anyway. The number one thing we have going on at this moment that concerns each and everyone of us (except those who obviously are enjoying the benefits) is rampant over-spending and lack of financial accountability.

If Paula Cox attains the position of Deputy Premier she will have far more power over all other ministries to force them to get current with their books. Once we have a firm understanding of just where we stand then we will really know whether we can or cannot afford some of the huge capital expenses that the government is proposing.

Seeing as Dr. Brown's platform is pretty much the same same that the PLP claims to be working on it now just comes down to getting things done. Sure Dr. Brown has tried to position himself as the get things done guy (I see him more as the done deal guy however), but if the PLP is going to deliver on anything they need the confidence of all the people that they are in fact being fiscally responsible about it. Otherwise at the next election the PLP will get their butts kicked out quicker than you can call all in against a royal flush.

[SmokingGun on 26.10.06 at 11:52]

"Me, I can draw up a storm. I'm not a horrible singer and quite a good entertainer. I'm funny and have a good mind for tivia and an ok one for logic."

Uncle E - just a question. Is the tivia connected to the funny bone? ;-)

[Uncle Elvis on 26.10.06 at 12:01]

Smokes, where, exactly, did I say that I was gud at teh spelinng? *grin*

[SmokingGun on 26.10.06 at 12:13]

From the RG:

Randy "Rum-Cakes" Horton:

“I have always been on a team. Whether one wants the captain or not – you give the captain 100 percent. I am happy to carry on whoever is Premier.”

100% huh. Calling for his head whilst trying to cover yours is just not cricket.

Wayne "Rum-Runner" Perinchief:

National Drug Control Minister Wayne Perinchief has also thrown his support behind Dr. Brown saying: “Dr. Brown is the person for the Premiership. “He’s younger, he has an international flavour, international contacts and a proven track record. He’s should be the natural successor.”

So don't you Wayne. Why don't you make a run for the top job. In Cuba.

Sounds like P's got two more slots he can offer up to potential delegates by voting time tonight....

[SmokingGun on 26.10.06 at 12:29]

RG again:

"And some delegates were just plain angry. Brown supporter Laverne Furbert said: “It was awful – an election speech. I expected the Premier’s message to be about what the party had done in the last year. Not to attack Dr. Brown. He was out of order.” "

This sums up politics in Bermuda. And your cuz's campaigners haven't been doing the exact same thing all these past two weeks?

Maybe it is time for a legitimate third party. One with no vested interests other than what's best for ALL of Bermuda.

[Neil Carr and Valentino Tear on 26.10.06 at 12:53]

This is turning into a race (no pun intended) between The Black Panthers and The Pink Panthers.The race between Mr Scott and Mr Brown is too close for comfort. Both are 'anti-gay human rights' which is as old a cliche as the Ku Klux Klan itself. The connection between this human rights private members bill of Renee Webb, and people riding on the back of homophobia to enhance their chances of being the first "President" of the newly independent and homophobic Bermuda, is clear to us. Remember you read it here first. Also see my blog
www.myspace.com/vipinbda
V. Tear and N. Carr
In memory of Curtis T. Grey who died in the fight for Bermudian gay and lesbian human rights.

[SmokingGun on 26.10.06 at 13:17]

Glad to see the Royal Gazette publishing your letter.

And as far as an independent Bermuda. Not unless there is a legitimate and seperate referendum away from an General Election. If not the gloves will come off and all the hidden agendas (read: graft) will be exposed. And we're not just talking about the locals. Our children's future is riding on it. And yes you read it here first.

[wyrdsister on 26.10.06 at 13:41]

remember that this is a biased poll, as it doesn't cover a broad spectrum of the island. It only covers those who read and post to this site.

[marly on 26.10.06 at 13:52]

remember that this is a biased poll, as it doesn't cover a broad spectrum of the island. It only covers those who read and post to this site.

Posted by wyrdsister on 26.10.06 at 13:41

Very True Indeed! one only needs to look at the Research Innovations Ltd's Poll in yersterday RG to get a truer picture of the feelings of the populace.

[loki on 26.10.06 at 13:58]

Phil is absolutely right with regard to possible reasons why Alex Scott may be ahead of Brown in the second poll - I cast my vote for Scott, not because I think he'd run the country better than Brown, but because I think the UBP will have a greater chance of getting back in if the PLP go to the polls at the next election under Scott's leadership.

[SmokingGun on 26.10.06 at 14:01]

Oh jeesh thanks loki - after all that hard work you have to go and let the cat out of the bag.... ;-)

[The Limey on 26.10.06 at 14:09]

I don't claim that the results of the polls carried out on this site represent anything other than the views of this site's readers. Remember, however, that the makeup of the readers of this site is not necessarily the same as the makeup of those who choose to comment here.

[Ali on 26.10.06 at 14:12]

Experience in the private sector is a big asset when one moves into the public sector and this is where this government differs from previous governments. They rely on politics to earn a living and to gain experience, which is why they are so often amateurish in their handling of our affairs. Unfortunately, one of the few who has some experience, Dr. Brown also lives in the fast lane and has learned how to duck, dive and deceive. Not the sort of experience we really want.

[Martin on 26.10.06 at 15:12]

One thought.

If Scott holds on tomorrow night - where will his Cabinet come from?

He was struggling before Brown declared his position.

[Pompous G Windbag III jnr. on 26.10.06 at 15:20]

Martin

I think La Burch might need a new garage for all his new GP motors.

P

[Onion on 26.10.06 at 15:34]

Loki says,

"I cast my vote for Scott, not because I think he'd run the country better than Brown, but because I think the UBP will have a greater chance of getting back in if the PLP go to the polls at the next election under Scott's leadership.

Posted by loki on 26.10.06 at 13:58 "

So basically you are UBP to the bone no matter who the candidates are? As long as UBP win, that is all that matters to you?

[mike on 26.10.06 at 15:55]

Martin,

I dont think Scott will have trouble with a cabinet. Even if he gets rid of Horton & Perinchief, he still can have-

Labour/Home Affairs - Burgess
Education - Butterfield
Transport - W.Lister
Finance - Cox
Telecom - M. Scott
Health - Minors
Housing/W&E- Burch
Tourism - Blakeney
Community Affairs - Butler
Natl Drug Control - Foggo

He could rearrange these and have a decent cabinet. Not much different than the current one actually.

[SmokingGun on 26.10.06 at 15:56]

Onion - how about just being so fed up with the way the PLP are running things, both inside their party and out, that it just doesn't matter whether it's Scott or Brown. Anyone but the PLP for while. Sorry but there's a lot of people who are not happy.

[Onion on 26.10.06 at 16:18]

Loki,

I am glad you are amused. I merely cut and paste what you wrote. Unless something went wrong between the "cut" and the "paste".

Again, you use the word "hypocrital". No problem. I'm not sure where you are going, but it again appears as though simply because someone expresses their discontent with the racial divisiveness in this island, the economic inequalities and the sins of the past and present then they MUST be staunch PLP.

I challenge you, as I challenged Elvis, to show me where I have said that I am staunch PLP.

If I've said it once, I have said it 1000 times, it is blacks, not whites who have been most likely over the history of party politics to sway from one party to the other.

[SmokingGun on 26.10.06 at 16:34]

Onion - seriously? Incompetence = Black? And the reason the White party lost the last two elections is because they were... Black?

[loki on 26.10.06 at 16:34]

Oohh,

"hypocrital" - see what he did there, kids? You know, if you point out others' typing errors in quotation marks, you come across as super-intelligent and superior!

"Cut and paste"? Here's what I said:

"I cast my vote for Scott, not because I think he'd run the country better than Brown, but because I think the UBP will have a greater chance of getting back in if the PLP go to the polls at the next election under Scott's leadership."

Here's what Onion said:

"So basically you are UBP to the bone no matter who the candidates are? As long as UBP win, that is all that matters to you?"

The fact that you think that it is reasonable to jump from my quote to your tortuous interpretation of it says much about the accuracy of the assertions that you are 'PLP to the bone'.

[Onion on 26.10.06 at 16:47]

Loki,

1. I asked you a question. Instead of getting so touchy/defensive/sarcastic etc why don't you just answer it? If I am inaccurate just say so.(Gosh! It's amazing, when you are away from this site for a few weeks you forget the tension. I guess I too have been guilty of contributing to this tension.)

2. Your statement seems to imply that you would vote for Alex because this would give the UBP the best chance of winning. You are not interested in the fact that Brown may be better at doing the job. What if Brown gets in and the whole country benefits?

[Ali on 26.10.06 at 16:47]

Mike, do you really mean decent cabinet? It looks a little weak to me.

[mike on 26.10.06 at 16:51]

Ali,

I dont see much of a problem with it. Of course that cabinet is missing Brown, Horton & Perinchief, but Perinchief himself is newly promoted and hasnt been that visible. I think that Blakeney has the potential to continue the progress in Tourism. I can also see Foggo doing well in Drug Control, or perhaps Devent given that post. The rest of the positions involve Parliamentarians that are experienced and already in their portfolios, so they would be able to carry on with their business as usual.

[Onion on 26.10.06 at 16:53]

"I cast my vote for Scott, not because I think he'd run the country better than Brown, but because I think the UBP will have a greater chance of getting back in if the PLP go to the polls at the next election under Scott's leadership."

How is someone supposed to interpret this statement? What are you saying? I think it does beg the question, at the very least.

[mike on 26.10.06 at 16:55]

Also Ali,

if Brown gets in, I see him cutting Butterfield, Burch, Mussenden, Minors, & Scott out. I am not so sure that a cabinet under him would be that much stronger. Yes you might have Horton, Burgess, Perinchief, Terry Lister, George Scott, Nelson bascome, but it would definitely be an all boys club, and I think there might be a perceived credibility and ethics issue with that group. He might keep Cox in there just because he almost has to.

[loki on 26.10.06 at 16:56]

"Your statement seems to imply that you would vote for Alex because this would give the UBP the best chance of winning. You are not interested in the fact that Brown may be better at doing the job. What if Brown gets in and the whole country benefits?"

OK - basically, your above statement is correct. You are right. I think Alex Scott is incompetent, but basically honest. I believe the reverse is true for Ewart Brown or, at least, I have grave concerns about his honesty, ethics and tendency to engage in race-baiting. Neither option is a good one for running the coutry, which is why I want to see the UBP back in at the moment. It is not the case that I would blindly vote UBP, regardless of candidates, but I see no viable option to the UBP at the present time. Whilst some will disagree, I view the last eight years of PLP government as one of, more or less, complete failure. Ironically, the ones who have been most betrayed are working class blacks, who are supposed to be the bedrock of the PLP.

[Pompous G Windbag III jnr. on 26.10.06 at 17:01]

Mike

If Cox serves under Brown do you think there is any chance of his cash for access unpleseantness being investigated??

Hmmm...

[SmokingGun on 26.10.06 at 17:03]

mike - now why would the good ole doc want to get rid of Minors? Oh yeah, what was I thinking.

"Ironically, the ones who have been most betrayed are working class blacks, who are supposed to be the bedrock of the PLP."

Sad but true.

[Onion on 26.10.06 at 17:14]

Loki, I understand where you are coming from. I honestly struggle to think of viable candidates on either side of the House. However, I think it is worth giving Brown a shot. I keep hearing him being labelled with the term "dishonest". I put no trust in any politician and I really cannot say any other politician is any more or less honest.

[marly on 26.10.06 at 17:19]

"I cast my vote for Scott, not because I think he'd run the country better than Brown, but because I think the UBP will have a greater chance of getting back in if the PLP go to the polls at the next election under Scott's leadership."

How is someone supposed to interpret this statement? What are you saying? I think it does beg the question, at the very least.

Posted by Onion on 26.10.06 at 16:53

This is how I would interpret that statement:

1. The oringal author of the statement would indicate he/she supports the ubp

2. The fear of Dr. Brown winning the leadership would be the death knell of the UPB
According to the polls in yesterday's RG brown in leading 2:1 (59.1% to 30.3%)in favour of being the next Premier. According to the white population polled 66.7% are in favour of him compared to 28.8 percent who back Premier Scott.

Very interenting indeed.
If the Brown is elected tomorrow, without a doubt the PLP is sure to be re-elected at the next election. Wayne Furbert is no match to Ewart Brown.

Of course this is my opinion

[JJ on 26.10.06 at 17:32]

Mike

Devent at Drug control??? Do you think he would favour testing of all MP's?

[SmokingGun on 26.10.06 at 17:40]

marly - you might well be right. However if Dr. Brown wins tomorrow I suspect the opposition will decide to start their re-election campaign very early by demanding the premier to come clean on all his and the government's finances and non-competitive contracts. Spinning numbers over at tourism is one thing, but having the whole island at stake will be that much harder to hide.

Methinks the Doc may have bitten off more than he realizes. Oh and I guess a lot of us are going to have to find a new physician.

[mike on 26.10.06 at 17:41]

JJ,

I have no idea how Devent would feel about drug testing. But he is not the only option. I was merely making suggestions.

[marly on 26.10.06 at 17:53]

marly - you might well be right. However if Dr. Brown wins tomorrow I suspect the opposition will decide to start their re-election campaign very early by demanding the premier to come clean on all his and the government's finances and non-competitive contracts. Spinning numbers over at tourism is one thing, but having the whole island at stake will be that much harder to hide.

Methinks the Doc may have bitten off more than he realizes. Oh and I guess a lot of us are going to have to find a new physician.

Posted by SmokingGun on 26.10.06 at 17:40

I'm sure the UBP will go into election mode and would demand answers, but I don't think he'll shy away from it, He did say he will be accountable so we will have to wait and see what happens, for one thing he will have 2 years before the next election to make some things happen as he promised, I believe some of those things are in the making now as we speak and will be revealed if he's elected.

[SmokingGun on 26.10.06 at 18:30]

marly - let's hope he does stay true to his promises. So far I for one have little confidence things will change but I would be very happy to see him come clean and prove that he's not just smoke and mirrors. He's a smart enough guy and has the energy so if he gets in let's hope he gives us something to believe in and gain "all" of Bermuda's trust and respect.

But if not, it'll be fun seeing how many plantations he can run all at the same time.

[AC on 27.10.06 at 00:34]

I was sure that I would not vote for Brown. But having thought some more, if it means we'd get Burch out of Cabinet, maybe I would!

[weaselguard on 27.10.06 at 07:53]

Maybe Doc Brown had to deceive PLP delegates with his race baiting to be elected leader, only to drop the tactic when he's premier.

Maybe these are just my endorphins of Friday speaking.

[sandgrownan on 27.10.06 at 10:59]

Does either camp have any plans to review the work permit term limits legislation?

[SmokingGun on 27.10.06 at 11:28]

"Ask not what I can do for you, ask what you can do for me."

Prime Minister Dr. Ewart Brown's acceptance speech.

[SmokingGun on 27.10.06 at 11:57]

From the RG:

"But Mr. Perinchief declined to comment about the matter yesterday while Mr. Horton did not return a call."

We can expect a lot more of that should Brown get in.

[SmokingGun on 27.10.06 at 12:55]

Come to think of it tonight's PLP vote actually is a bit like choosing the Tortoise or the Hare. The trouble is neither of these guys know exactly where the track is or how to get to the finish line.

[Hello, my name is Somers and I am a Bermudian on 27.10.06 at 13:24]

What is crazy is people think the UBP has problems... christ - this is like a caged blood match almost. Splitting the party talk and all that nonsense... the stakes got raised recently and you start to see all the money grubbin folk coming out of the closet.

[Hello, my name is Somers and I am a Bermudian on 27.10.06 at 13:25]

And they will say ANYTHING! P just said that they should have more women in the Senate - wasn't he the one who basically ousted Webb????

[Martin on 27.10.06 at 13:36]

Somers...

It is strange how all of a sudden, much of what we have been discussing on LIB becomes fact.

Independence..."on the back burner"...Oh really?

Cox: "We have been listening to what our members are saying"....Nice one Paula.

Et al. Ad infinitum. Amen to that.

[SmokingGun on 27.10.06 at 16:45]

This was pointed out by Bermudatriangular over at Bda Free Speech:

Bermuda government is interested in buying a bionic Dolphin for a water taxi. Yes indeed folks, it's right there on CNN. And who could have possibly been the one who wants to blow our tax payers money on such a ridiculous thing? Jeesh Ewart - time to start buying your own toys with your own money don't you think? It's never ending folks.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/10/26/bionic.dolphin/

[SmokingGun on 27.10.06 at 16:54]

Oh yeah - it's $350,000 per unit. I imagine Ewart's been promising Randy one if he help's get him elected. How do you spell ass-inine?

[SmokingGun on 27.10.06 at 17:21]

You may be right. How do the head honchos of a labour party justify the wonton spending of such non-sensical crap to the actual people they purport to represent?

These guys are purely using the PLP delegates and the party supporters to put them in a position of power so that they can milk the system to their hearts content. We need better schools, more housing, security etc. and they waste their time and our money on this stuff?

[darkside on 27.10.06 at 20:11]

anyone going to post tonight's results?

[Uncle Elvis on 27.10.06 at 20:16]

What time is it all going down?

[RedOnion on 27.10.06 at 20:33]

Elvis, I think the conference starts at 8:30. As for when they get down to a vote who knows ... I guess an announcement will be made as it is my understanding that the conference tonight is not open to the press. ZBM said on the TV news that they will be on top of it so that's probably the best bet .. listen to canned music on 1340 until they break in.

[marly on 27.10.06 at 23:01]

To all

It's official, Dri Ewart Brown is the next PLP leader
results:
E. Brown: 124 VOTES
A. Scott: 76 votes

Congrats to Dr. Ewart Brown

[marly on 27.10.06 at 23:09]

Paula Cox is the new Deputy Leader. What a powerful team that's going to be.

Now: Dr. Brown has been given the mandate and the trust of the PLP supporters, now it's time for him to Deliver on those promises he's made, which i believe he will.

I suspect some inititives are going to come to fruition before the next general election.

[marly on 27.10.06 at 23:30]

Just a correct on the votes:
Dr. Brown received 107 votes not 124
my apologies
I got too excited :)