Michael Dunkley has categorically ruled out calling a snap election to take advantage of reported unrest within the Progressive Labour Party.

The Opposition has been hit by a series of high-profile resignations from the Shadow Cabinet and party committees, with some political commentators saying the time is ripe for the Premier to send voters to the polls.

But Mr Dunkley told The Royal Gazette that he and the Bermuda Government were focused on helping families who continue to struggle and on moving the country forward.

“I have given no consideration to a snap election,” he said. “There is too much work to do.”

“Now is not the time for an election, we have to focus on making progress and make sure Bermuda is a better place for all Bermudians.

“We have a Budget coming up to focus on, as well as a number of hotel developments taking shape. I am not thinking about politics.

“I wish the Opposition well. I know how difficult it is for political parties to move forward. Every public servant has a vision and sometimes they can clash.”

The Premier hailed 2015 as a year of considerable progress, saying that the Island had “turned a corner”, but acknowledged that a lot more work was required.

Mr Dunkley added that improving relationships with the unions was a priority for the coming year.

“Last year we made tremendous progress announcing several hotel developments, pushing through Pati, the gaming commission and the Defence Amendment Act — there was a lot done,” he added. “Looking back, if one moment encapsulated that progress it was the World Series weekend; the buzz surrounding that event and the way we came together and shone on the world stage.

“But we are aware that some families are continuing to struggle and that is our priority moving into 2016. We need to help the most vulnerable: our seniors and the disabled.

“We will also focus on improving our relationship with the unions. It was last January when they gathered around Cabinet grounds and we worked through a difficult period.

“The unions play a very important role and I am cognisant that they have made tremendous strides to Bermudians over the years. I hope we can continue to work together moving forward.”

Mr Dunkley told this newspaper that he hoped the new Parliamentary session beginning next month would signal an end to derogatory personal attacks in the House of Assembly.

He also said that he believed that 2016 would be a much better year for tourism and economic development.

“In 2016 we need to make sure we get the hotel in St George’s started and get the new marina ready to receive boats in time for 2017,” he added.

“We need to make sure we have a working swing bridge, while understanding it will be a drawn out process.

“The South Basin project is moving forward and team Artemis has moved into Morgan’s Point.

“There are also other hotel developments ready to go. In the first quarter of this year I would expect some more positive announcements on these various hotel developments.”