Wayne Furbert in August 2006: "The PLP's statement this week to continue pushing Independence indicates that there is a major disconnect between the Government and the people.

"Instead of talking up Independence, the Government should start listening. Instead of being stubborn, it should start respecting the will of the people.

"Instead of thinking of itself and its pet beliefs, it should start thinking about what's good for Bermuda."

Wayne Furbert in October 2006: "We see the new Cabinet as something not so new. We see it as virtually the same people, with the same ideas, sitting in different chairs — all them trying to shake off a PLP record in power that has failed year after year in its responsibility to help people."

Wayne Furbert in October 2006: "It is the style and habit of the Progressive Labour Party Government to use words, slogans and false argument to deflect attention from its continuing failure to meet the needs of the people.

"Deputy Premier Dr. Ewart Brown's comment before the African Heritage Conference that a large segment of Bermuda regards efforts to empower blacks as 'evil' is just the latest example.

"Not only does his language divide people, but it also puts out a new twist on the Government's strange and disappointing lack of will when it comes to meeting the needs of the people.

"Dr. Brown's inference that white Bermudians are blocking the Government from meeting the needs of black Bermudians is the worst form of scapegoating. It is a pathetic attempt to shift attention away from his Government's principle responsibility to help people in need.

"The problem with this Government is that it has lost its way. For them, it's not about empowerment; it's about enrichment. It's about putting themselves first.

"This Government has been a major disappointment. More and more Bermudians daily are waking up to the fact that they are being let down, taken for granted and played like a fiddle by PLP language that inflames but does not solve."

Wayne Furbert in November 2006: "The PLP record in office is more about failure than success. We see it as a broken Government.

"Time and again they have shown they have not figured out how to make Government work for the benefit of the people.

"As a result of these failures, Bermudians are looking for a Government that is competent, trustworthy and dedicated to meeting the needs of the people."

Glenn Blakeney in November 2006: "A comparison of the party leaders — it's night and day.

"I can envision the Premier sitting down with any head of state and dealing with various issues and articulating the position of Bermuda to great effect.

"But I would not have the same confidence in the Opposition Leader.

"I don't think he has the power to influence, the political acumen or the presence of mind in conveying those very clearly.

"Whenever I see him speaking he comes off very rhetorical. There's a lack of depth in his argument."

Wayne Furbert in January 2007: "We have had nine years of sound bites, but precious little action. If I were Premier of Bermuda today, or indeed, if I were a Minister of Government for the past nine years, I would have seen to it that affordable houses were built and made available to working Bermudians."

Wayne Furbert in February 2007: "[Dr. Brown] has got a chief of staff, a press secretary — a whole entourage. He is trying to build an empire around him with all the pomp and ceremony. It is absolutely ridiculous to have this large entourage walking the streets as if he is some big shot — more than he thinks he is. The taxpayer should not be paying for this type of nonsense."

Wayne Furbert in February 2007: "Ladies and gentlemen, I feel it is my duty to invite you to look past the pop and sizzle that the Premier serves up so well. When I heard his address on Monday, I was reminded of the quotation: 'Oh what a web we weave, when we conspire to deceive.'"

Ewart Brown in July 2007: "I find it appalling that the former Leader of the Opposition would make harmful, negative accusations about faith-based tourism without first securing information on this great effort.

"The Opposition's wrongful assault is not just an assault on this Government and Mr. (Andre) Curtis, but an unprovoked and unnecessary assault on a religious effort, an effort which has lifted the hearts of many tourists and touched the souls of many."

PLP website in August 2007: "Earlier this year, Wayne Furbert was fired as leader of the UBP because he was ineffective and uninspiring. Come election time, the constituents of Hamilton West will fire Wayne Furbert as well.

"The PLP is putting up a fantastic candidate — Charles Clarke."

PLP website in December 2007: "In March, then UBP Leader Wayne Furbert admitted that the UBP made a big mistake when it came to our children's education.

"For once, Wayne Furbert was right."

Wayne Furbert in June 2009: "The PLP have something to fight for. With the United Bermuda Party there's no vision. They have nothing to hold onto other than memories."

Wayne Furbert in March 2010: "I believe that my contribution must be to help our Government succeed. For this reason, Mr. Speaker, I have asked that I be permitted to cross the floor and join the Progressive Labour Party."

PLP website in March 2010: "We welcome Wayne Furbert into the Progressive Labour Party. Our party is a big tent.

"While some of our brothers and sisters may have strayed in the past, we are a forgiving people who welcome those who strayed back into the fold. We encourage Mr. Furbert to continue to be active in the community and connect with the grassroots. We trust that he will make a valuable contribution to Bermuda as a PLP MP."