PLP's Richardson: There is no reason why I should not win

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23: Anthony Richardson sees the challenge that lies ahead as a David and Goliath battle.

He knows he is the underdog and he knows that few expect him to defeat the new One Bermuda Alliance leader Craig Cannonier in the November by-election.

But the 47-year-old father-of-two still fancies his chances, even though constituency 12 has always been a UBP stronghold.

“If people look at me as the person rather than the party I am from they will see I have been a qualified accountant for 20 years and I have committed many years to public service,” he said.

“People are concerned about crime, education and the economy and of these the economy is the most criticized.

“Based on my training, my experience in government and my commitment to serve I have more direct experience in the financial arena. If you look at the two of us critically — there is no reason why I should not win.”

Mr Richardson, who grew up in St George’s, has an impressive CV that includes Accountant General, Chair of the Bermuda Hospitals Board and CEO of the Health Council.

He said: “There are many people who complain about Bermuda and politics and each other but they do so anonymously.

“I think ultimately you have to be prepared to stand up and be counted.

“The fact that this constituency is a UBP stronghold makes it more of a challenge.

“It’s an obstacle but it is not barrier.

“Clearly my success in number 12 would send a very strong signal to both parties in terms of preparation for a general election and it would leave the opposition with some obvious challenges.”

Mr Richardson says he is determined to speak to as many constituents as possible in the coming weeks.

He will be knocking on doors meeting his would-be constituents right up to the November 1 by-election day.

He said: “I have to demonstrate within 60 seconds of meeting people I have never met before that I am a suitable candidate. It is an exciting prospect.

“One of my goals is to bring an understanding of politics to the average Bermudian and this is my chance to do it.

“In some ways I feel I have won already. I have entered as a brand new politician. I am running in what has always been a strong UBP seat. I am running against the leader of the party. I cannot lose.

Runner

“I think people expect me to get less votes than Mr Cannonier but we will see.

“If the electorate are eager to bring change they would vote for me.

“Right away I would have the influence of a government member of Parliament and be able to go to the relevant Minister.”

Mr Richardson will no doubt be putting in some miles over the coming weeks as he walks from door to door in Devonshire South Central.

But you might also spot him on his pedal bike as he blows the cobwebs away.

“I used to run a lot of May 24 half marathons but these days I tend to take my pedal cycle out on the roads,” he said.

“I try to get out a couple of times a week on my own. It’s a way of relaxing and getting away from it all.

“Then at the weekends we head out along the Railway Trail as a family sometimes. It’s a great way to see Bermuda.”