Quality leadership is essential in every area of public life.

Those who aspire to positions of responsibility, whether it is politics, or any part of community activity, should be aware that leadership requires setting a good example, as well as upholding values of decency and respect, which are the anchors of any healthy society.

It is deeply disturbing when a leader is accused of making remarks that demean another, which is certainly outside of expected conduct even when there are disagreements.

The impact of words uttered without careful consideration could result in a loss of respect and confidence, since leadership demands a high standard.

It is not a matter of being perfect, but a willingness to be held accountable.

This is why recent press reports of comments allegedly made by the Opposition PLP leader caused more than a few feathers to ruffle.

In fact two key members of his party felt so strong about the alleged comments, they openly suggested an apology would be appropriate. Without getting bugged down in “she said, he said” it is more important to focus on what is expected from all of our leaders.

Politicians usually walk a tightrope in word play, and one badly chosen sentence can resonate in a profoundly negative way with the electorate, especially if it is considered below expected standards.

Politicians occasionally make mistakes with words, but they should be willing to acknowledge and admit falling short when that happens.

Bermuda has too many serious challenges that need attention for the public to be sidetracked by ongoing political skirmishes.

Most hard-working Bermudians expect leaders to deal with urgent issues, such as rebuilding the Island’s job infrastructure, in the midst of an economic crisis, while also tackling gun crime, which has made more than a few Bermudians uncomfortable.

Also we have young people who are expected to learn from our leaders how to conduct themselves under pressure, while maintaining a sense of dignity and respect for everyone in the community.

Both the One Bermuda Alliance Government and the Opposition Progressive Labour Party are expected to promote basic good values as their highest priority while serving the people. Political confrontation is normal in democratic jurisdictions, but there are times when tempers overheat, and badly chosen words are used, making it difficult for a sense of reasoning to emerge between opposing groups.

We in Bermuda should be able to do better than that with our small and closely knitted population.

No leader is above decent good values, while performing his or her duties.

This should be the unshakeable code for anyone seeking political office.

How can anyone familiar with general elections in the United States forget how one Presidential candidate in the last election saw his campaign disintegrate after he made demeaning remarks he thought would not reach the public domain.

It was a lesson for all politicians that badly chosen words can cause damage that is not easy to repair.

In a small society such as Bermuda there should be no need to engage in what could be described as sleazy politics. The people expect and want better.

We are living in an age of cyberspace technology, where it takes only a second to relay information, whether it is positive or negative. For politicians that can be a nightmare.

In addition, the public memory can be far better than most politicians would like and voters have a way of making them pay at the polls for disregarding proper conduct while seeking or holding office.

Leadership carries responsibilities, and almost everyone is aware of that.

Leaders are also human and make mistakes. All the people want are leaders who are brave enough to admit a mistake, and are willing to move to the higher ground of building, rather than tearing down.

Every Bermudian is important in the struggle to improve our current economic plight, and everyone must be respected.

Quality leadership will always be essential if we hope to move forward as one people.