New mandate for the PLP
Date Posted: Wednesday, December 19, 2007Author: Christen Pears
Election Watch
Latest News
- BERMUDA NETWORK NEWS WILL RE-LAUNCH SEPTEMBER 1
- Police make arrest in murder inquiry
- Visitor spending increases
- Ministry of Health tests island’s readiness for flu pandemic
- UBP has no plans to disband - chairman
- Motorcyclist and passenger injured
- Motorcyclists injured in separate collisions
- Bermuda to celebrate Earth Hour
- Government issues health challenge
- New laundry opens at KEMH
Search Local News:
Last night’s victory gives the PLP its third consecutive term and a new mandate. The voters who were expected to stay at home made their way to the ballot box but public pressure to deliver on the election platform will be high from now on.
During last night’s Court Street celebrations, Premier Dr Ewart Brown promised his party would execute its agenda. Housing, education and crime will be high third term priorities. Free childcare, free public transport and a free Bermuda College Education were also key planks in the platform although the party has yet to explain how it will pay for them. Dr Brown also promised to help heal the wounds inflicted during the seven-week election campaign.
Dr Brown, who ousted Alex Scott just over a year ago, has faced criticism from both inside and outside the party, particularly over the ongoing Bermuda Housing Corporation scandal and his leadership style. There were rumblings of a leadership challenge before the election was called and Dr Brown was forced to issue an email urging unity. In the end the BHC scandal held little sway over voters. Although the PLP didn’t win the hoped-for 30 seats, last night’s win represents a personal endorsement for Dr Brown and an opportunity to prove party doubters wrong.
Political commentators are already speculating as to the make-up of the new Cabinet. Major changes are predicted as the Premier asserts his authority.