After possibly the most tumultuous year in its history, it's hard to imagine how 2010 can get any worse for the United Bermuda Party.

Certainly leader Kim Swan, who retained an upbeat image amid all the resignations and heavy criticism of his leadership throughout the last year, is eying the next 12 months with hope that the only way is up.

Mr. Swan insists now the squabbling has stopped the nine remaining MPs on the UBP benches are a stronger unit than the 14 in place just over a year ago, and vows that the party has stopped worrying about its public perception and started concentrating on the issues.

But his methods to drag the party back from the dead and into Government are not finding favour with everyone and his refusal to phase out older faces to make way for young blood continues to be a bone of contention.

"We are focused on what the issues are," said Mr. Swan. "Obviously we are also focused on how we are going to make ourselves even better as an entity serving our supporters.

"We are viable now because the talent we have is focused on Bermuda.

"That's the tragedy of 2009: that the politicians were focused on how they felt they were perceived and not on the issues that were impacting this Country. History will show that.

"I do see us being Government. I believe the talent base exists for us to build on. It's a challenge but it's within our grasp."

But former election candidate Tillman Darrell says the party needs the overhaul of representatives which was demanded by the three MPs who ultimately quit to form the Bermuda Democratic Alliance.

"My opinion is the same as the guys who left: that the UBP needs to do a serious rethink in terms of how they appeal to the voting public," said Mr. Darrell.

"Business as usual is not going to get them elected again. They have all taken their mind away from making changes and want to talk about crime now, so they can look like they are doing something that the people are asking for.

"Some of the older guys need to slowly become teachers and allow younger, newer, fresher people to come through.

"My question to my colleagues is at what point do they hold the Country ransom for their own stubbornness and unwillingness to see that they can't win again."

Mr. Darrell — who says the UBP would struggle to find suitable candidates if an election is called soon — said of Mr. Swan: "I think Kim uses the word change and reform like a sound bite. I haven't seen under his leadership even an inkling of the kind of changes asked for by the people that left.

"He may argue a few things like the way we elect our leader are changes but that's not enough."

Mr. Swan, who remains fiercely loyal to his senior MPs, said: "My longest serving members are 16 years (John Barritt and Trevor Moniz).

"I need them both, listen to them, hear them. What those guys bring to the table is necessary."