Paula Cox spoke of her concern for the education and welfare of Bermuda's children as she set out her priorities for running the Country.

Ms Cox, the current Deputy Premier, hopes to win the leadership of the Progressive Labour Party and be promoted to Premier next Thursday.

During a speech to Sandys Rotary Club on Wednesday, she spoke of how the changing economy means "individuals need to be prepared for multiple career changes as well as the creation of entirely new industries".

She said she would focus on overhauling job training schemes such as apprenticeships. She also spoke of the need for schools to become more effective, with a focus on professional development opportunities for educators.

In addition, she said, parents need to be helped to assist their children. She pointed out that the affordable housing schemes promoted by the Government have enabled parents to spend more time with their kids without having to work multiple jobs just to pay the rent.

"It's not economic or social status but active parental involvement in a child's education that's the most accurate predictor of a child's performance in school," she noted.

During a question-and-answer session after her speech, Ms Cox was asked why she wants to be leader of her party. Referring to her late father, former Finance Minister Eugene Cox, she said she was brought up in an environment "which recognises the value of public service".

She told Rotarians: "Even on his deathbed he was having dreams about how he could help safeguard the future of the Country."

And she explained: "I think there is still so much left to be done, even now."

One of her prime concerns, she said, was the 900 children currently listed as "at risk".

Ms Cox also made frequent reference to her lack of egotism, and told Rotarians: "I don't let my ego get in the way of making a difference."

In an apparent reference to the fact she has opted to conduct her leadership campaign privately within the party rather than publicly since she launched her bid in early August she said: "I've been quiet even when there have been flagrant and gross misrepresentations of fact. Why? Because I'm a team player and believe you've got to take your ego out of it."