Two men who've never sat in the House of Assembly will go head to head for the leadership of the Bermuda Democratic Alliance on Saturday.

Esso gas station dealer Craig Cannonier will take on entrepreneur Myron Piper for the BDA's top spot after all three sitting MPs decided not to enter the running. It will be the first time one of Bermuda's political parties is led by somebody outside Parliament, with founding member Michael Fahy saying: "I think this is perfectly acceptable and shows we are doing things differently."

Political commentators gave a mixed reaction last night — with Larry Burchall applauding the BDA's "outside the box" thinking, but Charles Jeffers stressing the importance of a party having its leader inside the House.

Mr. Cannonier is known as a strong speaker but spent his life outside politics until the formation of the Alliance in November.

Mr. Piper, an education activist, was nominated as a Progressive Labour Party candidate three years ago, but pulled out of the running before the 2007 General Election, citing his dissatisfaction with the party.

Both have already vowed to fight for seats at the next election — most likely in marginal constituencies in the East End, where they have strong bases.

MPs Shawn Crockwell, Donte Hunt and Mark Pettingill have been flying the BDA flag in the House since quitting the United Bermuda Party in frustration at its failure to push through reform. Many had expected Mr. Crockwell and Mr. Pettingill to challenge for the leadership, with the PLP at one stage dubbing the party The Crockwell Party, and some in the UBP accusing Mr. Pettingill of orchestrating the breakaway.

However, all three told The Royal Gazette last night that with their family and business commitments, as well as handling a number of portfolios in the House, they would not have the time to do the leadership job justice. Mr. Crockwell, a lawyer with Mello Jones and Martin, said: "When I am not engaged in my profession I spend a significant amount of time preparing for the business of the House of Assembly and assisting my constituents.

"I do not have the time that the role will take and therefore the ability to be the leader of the Alliance. It is my desire to continue to serve the Alliance as an effective Member of Parliament.

"I look forward to working with whoever is elected as leader and moving Bermuda forward."

Mr. Hunt, who runs the Plaza Cafe in Hamilton, said: "I have several commitments having opened a new restaurant and have a young family.

"These commitments, coupled with my work in my constituency meant I did not feel I could have my name put forward for leader.

"However, I know that Myron or Craig will be effective leaders and I am pleased that both gentlemen are seeking leadership positions within the Alliance."

Mr. Pettingill, whose commitments include his work as a lawyer at Wakefield Quin and a new baby, said: "I have got a very, very full plate and I decided that as far as leadership goes we really have two guys who have put themselves forward, either of whom can lead this party. That they're not in the House doesn't matter."

Whomever is appointed on Saturday is expected to appoint a House leader and/or a party whip.

Mr. Fahy said overseas political parties which had operated with leaders outside parliament include the Liberal Party of Canada with Michael Ignatieff, and the African National Congress with Jacob Zuma, who is now President of South Africa.

Reacting last night, researcher Mr. Burchall said: "It's unusual, but bear in mind the BDA are fresh, new and operating in territory which no other party in Bermuda has operated.

"Whatever they do I think is acceptable. We have all got to adjust to new methods and think about voting outside the box. Who says the two candidates won't be elected if they run anyway?"

Former National Liberal Party Leader Charles Jeffers said: "If they had nobody in the House this would be understandable.

"Whoever they appointed, I would have thought that Shawn Crockwell or Mark Pettingill or Donte Hunt — those are the three MPs... Is this occasioned because nobody wants to step up to be the party leader?

"If the leader is not in the House, then is somebody going to be taking instructions?

"When you talk about politics, one of the first things you have got to ensure is you have leadership in the House."

Nominations for a number of key party positions were made by caucus members, with the Deputy Leader position being handed to Katherine Michelmore, the former chair of Mr. Pettingill's UBP branch, by acclamation.

Former UBP chairman Mr. Fahy will compete against banking executive Granville Gibbons for the role of chairman.

The leadership contest will take place at the party's first conference, at Fairmont Southampton, on Saturday, with membership registration from 6.30 p.m.

It will be open to the public. Visit www.thealliance.bm.

WHAT THEY SAID:

Myron Piper's comments

"I have previously worked with both the PLP and the UBP and have experienced for a number of years the inner workings of those two parties.

"In both cases I have walked away from those parties as I could not resolve myself to accepting their lack of will and drive to meet the needs of those they swore to serve.

"Having attended meetings of the Alliance I was able to witness the passion and promise of its members which is necessary to make a change in government.

"The core values were evident in the way meetings were conducted — words like transparency, integrity and accountability were not mere buzz words. They were the standard for conducting meetings and discussions. "I have sat among caucus members and have been inspired by their hope and drive to create a 'Better Way'.

"I felt the need to be part of such an exciting prospect. It has always been my desire to actively pursue politics as a means of giving back and working with such a diverse and talented group has only intensified those dreams. This is why I have put myself forward for leader."

Craig Cannonier's comments

"I am pleased to have my name put forward for Leader of the Alliance. To be an effective leader, you have to realise it is a life of service.

"I am committed to that path and am grateful for the confidence placed in me by those that nominated me and am committed to finding that different path and forging a better way for Bermuda.

"I did not join the Alliance seeking leadership, rather I joined because I believe in its principles and values and those people in the party with the same desires for Bermuda.

"I am ready to lead and have been fortunate in my life to gain the skills necessary to lead.

"I look forward to Saturday's conference and hope to become the Leader of Bermuda's newest political party."