The Progressive Labour Party should let its members speak their minds or risk going the same way as the United Bermuda Party, according to former Senator Davida Morris.

Ms Morris spoke out in support of Senator Marc Bean, who was forced into a public apology days after lambasting the PLP Government's record on education.

She said while she was a Senator she held her tongue on issues such as FutureCare, because she felt bound by a school of thought that, "united we stand, divided we fall".

But she believes the PLP can only be a long-term success if it puts the needs of the people ahead of looking good in the eyes of the public.

"I felt pressure to toe the party line in order to protect the party," said Ms Morris of her time as one of Bermuda's youngest Senators in 2007.

"At the end of the day this is politics. It's about image and posturing and being seen to be doing what is best for the Country. It's about obtaining or maintaining power in order to lead.

"I felt pressure to toe the party line because it was asked of us, not directly but implicitly. I believe the Bermuda Industrial Union motto fits best in this matter, 'united we stand, divided we fall.'

"It was in the best interest of the party to look good in the eyes of the public and I appreciated that."

However, in recent months Ms Morris — who says she still believes the PLP has the best vision for Bermuda's future — has spoken out against the party's use of the race card and stifling of free speech.

She explained: "When the party goes against what is in the best interests of the public, I will stand as an individual and speak my piece. I'm thinking of the long-term viability of the party.

"How long do they think they can hold onto the Government while treating the people with such contempt? That is the path that led to the fall of the UBP. It is not my intention to let them go the same route."

During an angry Senate speech earlier this month, Sen. Bean dismissed the public education system as "trash" and declared: "I give my Government a triple F."

The tirade prompted Premier Ewart Brown to make a rare appearance in the public gallery.

Sen. Bean's comments have also infuriated some senior PLP members, who point out he's previously heckled outspoken colleagues and labelled them "snakes in the grass"; although while some want him fired it's thought extremely unlikely Dr. Brown would sack anybody because of their public comments.

A few days later Sen. Bean issued an apology — yet maintained he stands by his initial statement.

Ms Morris said she empathises with Sen. Bean for having to watch from the Senate while Government has dropped the ball.

"Being in the Senate does not mean that you can instantly make things happen," she said.

"Ultimately that is the job of the Minister. I completely understand how frustrating it is to want to do more than give speeches and report on what is being done. I talk a lot, true. But I'd much rather be doing the work, making things happen, applying my knowledge.

"Senator Bean is clearly a person who is passionate about Bermuda and the future of her people. I share that passion.

"I also share his frustration with the PLP Government for not moving faster on education. We would be so much further along now if the plans they have now were implemented ten years ago."

Ms Morris said while a Senator she had concerns over the way FutureCare was being implemented — "a great programme" she believed was being rushed.

"It can be fixed and I believe it will be corrected to serve the public as it should. I just believe in doing something right the first time and this project required more thought and logistical planning," she said.

"Despite my feelings on the project, who was I to tell (Dr.) Brown what to do? When the man has a goal in mind he goes for it with all he has and no one gets in his way."

Asked if she would do things differently now, Ms Morris hinted a political comeback is not out of the question.

"First and foremost I would speak up more," she said. "I was very nervous my during my time in the Senate; I may not have shown it but I was.

"It stopped me from speaking as confidently as I do when I am in different circumstances. I think if I had some guidance then, if someone had taken me under their wing to show me the ropes I would have been more sure of myself and been able to do more.

"My appointment was unprecedented at the time and although Dame Jennifer Smith was of similar age when she was appointed, she had Dame Lois Brown Evans to mentor her. I had no one.

"I'm older, wiser, more sure of myself and understand the political world better. I know I could make a greater contribution within the Senate; I also know that I could make an even greater impact at the Ministerial level."