Six MPs and three senators did not miss a single parliamentary meeting during the last session, according to figures obtained by The Royal Gazette.

But party members from across the political spectrum say the 2009/10 attendance numbers for the Legislature don't necessarily paint a true picture of who is performing most effectively.

The statistics reflect who was there at the start of each meeting, when attendance is recorded, but don't reveal how long they stayed or if they spoke.

Cabinet Ministers El James and Derrick Burgess have a 100 percent attendance record in the House of Assembly for 2009/10, as does Opposition leader Kim Swan, UBP MP Charlie Swan, PLP MP Wayne Furbert and BDA MP Donte Hunt.

Government Senate leader David Burch did not miss a sitting of the Upper Chamber and neither did Attorney General Kim Wilson or independent Senator Joan Dillas-Wright.

The two MPs who attended the fewest House sessions — 24 of 31 or 77 percent — were Environment and Sports Minister Glenn Blakeney, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year and needed medical treatment overseas, and PLP backbencher Walter Lister.

Opposition Senate leader Michael Dunkley attended the fewest Senate sessions — 21 of 24 or 80 percent.

Over the course of the most recent parliamentary session, from November to July, the United Bermuda Party's average attendance rate for its nine MPs in the House of Assembly was 92 percent. The Progressive Labour Party — which has had 23 MPs since Mr. Furbert joined in March — had an average of 90 percent, compared to 89 percent for Bermuda Democratic Alliance, with three MPs.

Premier Ewart Brown missed six of the 31 House sessions — giving him an 81 percent attendance rate — mainly due to overseas trips.

His spokesman said he was away on December 4 at the Overseas Territories Consultative Council in London; March 10 and 12 at a heads of government meeting in Dominica; June 18 at a meeting with Carnival Cruises in Miami and at Bermuda Night Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston; and July 9 at the World Cup in South Africa.

Dr. Brown was also absent from the House on November 27.

PLP backbencher Ashfield DeVent — who missed three of 31 sessions due to an overseas vacation — said last night the attendance figures had to be viewed in context.

"The way it is recorded is somewhat misleading," he said. "You can show up, get marked present and leave.

"I guess if the public are really interested, it would be better if there was some indication of if the person stayed, how long they stayed and if they participated in the debate — how much they actually put into it, how much they contributed. It clearly doesn't give the whole picture."

BDA leader Craig Cannonier said he was "very proud" of his party's performance in the House. "They are three — not nine and not 22 — and, as such, the numbers are a little skewed. However, their percentage turnout is exemplary under the circumstances.

"They have received kudos from both sides of the House for doing what is in the best interests of the country.

"It is not all about merely being in the House — performance and contribution when you are there is what is important."

Mr. Cannonier, who is not an MP but watches House sessions from the public gallery, added: "The better question would be to ask who in fact speaks regularly and with knowledge and authority."

Sen. Dunkley said: "Due to unavoidable circumstances, regrettably I missed three sessions but no major legislation during those sessions.

"I trust my performance and passion for serving Bermuda speaks for itself."

UBP leader Kim Swan said he was "very pleased" with his party's performance in both chambers. "We take our seats each week to maintain a close watch on the words and actions of the Government," he said.

Mr. Blakeney said the medical treatment he received at the Lahey Clinic in Massachusetts from November to February, followed by a short convalescence period, accounted for his absences.

Mr. Lister could not be reached and nor could the PLP's chairman or public relations officer.

Attendance at a glance

House of Assembly

Number of the 31 meetings missed in 2009/10 session: MPs

None: Derrick Burgess, Wayne Furbert, El James, Kim Swan, Charlie Swan and Donte Hunt (three PLP, two UBP and one BDA).

One: Paula Cox, Wayne Perinchief, Neletha Butterfield, Patrice Minors, Stanley Lowe, Trevor Moniz, John Barritt and Grant Gibbons (five PLP and three UBP).

Two: Dame Jennifer Smith, Walter Roban, Michael Scott, Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, Shawn Crockwell and Darius Tucker (three PLP, one UBP, one BDA and one independent).

Three: Ashfield DeVent, Alex Scott, Zane DeSilva, Randy Horton, Terry Lister, Dennis Lister, Cole Simons and Bob Richards (six PLP and two UBP).

Four: Dale Butler and Louise Jackson (one PLP and one UBP).

Five: Lovitta Foggo and Michael Weeks (both PLP).

Six: Ewart Brown and Mark Pettingill (one PLP and one BDA).

Seven: Glenn Blakeney and Walter Lister (both PLP).

Senate

Number of the 24 sessions missed in 2009/10 session: senators

None: Joan Dillas-Wright, David Burch and Kim Wilson (one independent and two PLP).

One: Carol Ann Bassett, Walwyn Hughes, Thaao Dill, Marc Bean, Walton Brown and Suzann Roberts Holshouser (two independents, three PLP and one UBP).

Two: Jeanne Atherden (UBP).

Three: Michael Dunkley (UBP).