Richards wants to to slug it out with Premier Cox

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2: Shadow Finance Minister Bob Richards reckons he’s best placed to take on Premier Paula Cox as leader of the new One Bermuda Alliance.

As he emerged along with Craig Cannonier as one of the two candidates for the party’s leadership, Mr Richards said he had the background to slug it out with Premier Cox on the economic woes of the island and the knock-on effect on society.

He said: “Bermuda’s in a difficult position in terms not only of the economy, which is of great concern to most people, but in terms of society — and a lot of the societal issues are coming from the economic stress which pervades the island. “Bermuda needs a leader who can speak with authority on these all-important issues. The current Premier is also the Minister of Finance who has presided over this debacle.

“It seemed to be the appropriate thing for the Premier’s opposite number to be able to address the economy and finances of the country.

“As the one who speaks on these issues, it’s a reason people should consider me for leader of the One Bermuda Alliance.

“The leader of the OBA will be the skipper of the team – a football team has to have a skipper. Very seldom do you have a football team where the skipper doesn’t have experience and I have that experience.”

Mr Richards was speaking after the OBA confirmed that Mr Richards and Senator Cannonier would go head to head for the job of taking the new party into a General Election.

Mr Richards said: “We have a financial plan and it’s fallen to me to articulate that plan. If I win the leadership election, it will be a direct match-off between the leaders of each party on that important subject.

“I would be able to focus that union on that subject and our solutions for the problems we have.”

Mr Richards added that increased confidence in the financial management of the country would help disperse a pall hanging over the island due to economic uncertainty.

He said: “The one thing that has come up in my conversations with people is that Bermuda needs someone who can bring back our confidence in ourselves.

“There is so much pessimism and feelings of hopelessness around the streets of Bermuda. The leader of the OBA needs to be able to bring back confidence and bring back belief in ourselves.

“In my experience in life, everything is about attitude — you can’t achieve anything in this world without confidence and a positive attitude.

“I will bring that to the table, bring it to the table and bring it to the island.”

Mr Richards also sent a clear signal that the leadership contest would be fought within the Marquis of Queensberry Rules.

He said: “I’m not going to say anything negative about Craig Cannonier — he’s a nice guy. We work well together and I look forward to working with him in the future.”

Mr Cannonier said last night he would be laying out his case for the leadership at a later date.

The OBA also saw newcomer Thad Hollis appointed chairman of the party unopposed — replacing Michael Fahy, who is likely to seek a frontline role.

Mr Hollis said: “I became involved because I was attracted to the principles of transparency and service. As an employment consultant and advocate, I believe in public service and do charity and pro bono work.

“I haven’t been involved in politics before, but I believe this is the party of change — it’s fresh. We’re going to do things differently, democratically and transparently and in the best interests of Bermuda. I’m glad to be able to fill this role and serve the party any way I can.”