Bermuda's working class generally has good, if not great things to say about Premier Ewart Brown.

This newspaper visited the Young Men's Social Club and the Leopard's Club to find out what patrons had to say about Dr. Brown's Premiership.

Oliver Caisey, a PLP supporter, said: "I think he's handled it quite well. For me, the PLP has had three Premiers and I think he's been the most impressive of all our Premiers.

"I am very concerned about whether the new Premier, whoever it may be, will be tough enough to carry on from him. The way Bermuda is, he didn't have a problem confronting those white folk where in my day, black people might not be condescending to white people. I think we're past that stage."

He continued: "I don't think he's lost touch with the working class man. I think the working class man has lost touch with himself. I am a tradesman since I was a boy.

"He's the real deal as I see it. He's one of my heroes. I like strong determined leadership. What black people need, black men especially, is strong black leadership.

"Men who feel good about themselves. Ewart Brown's not a sissy. He ain't no sissy and that's the kind of man that we need. Does Paula Cox have the ability to pick that up and carry it on?"

A man who only wanted to be known as a concerned citizen said: "I've been a PLP supporter all my life. I think his Premiership was a mistake.

"We're in debt. That's enough right there. He could talk about the white man all he wants. I feel he's trying to take Bermuda to Jamaica's level.

"He's definitely out of touch. That bye was about himself. He wasn't about Bermuda. He was about bringing Bermuda down.

"I'm glad to see him go. He shouldn't have been there. Freddy Wade shouldn't have brought him here. He's the worst thing that happened to Bermuda. That's my opinion."

One woman who wouldn't be named said: "Ewart Brown is the man. He gets things done. Ewart Brown and [Labour Minister David] Burch is the man."

Another man who wouldn't be named said: "Without Dr. Brown, we wouldn't have been able to get the fast ferries. I feel he's been a good Premier."

Asked if Dr. Brown was in touch with the working class man, Steve Smith said: "I don't think he ever was. A lot of these guys were away when we went through the struggles we went through.

"Many of the politicians came after the founding members. They showed up later. His style of politics is more Americanised. He was a strong leader but his delegation and relying on other members wasn't there.

He continued: "Jennifer Smith had the same problem. Alex Scott, they say he wasn't strong enough. I'm a lifetime member so I hold them all accountable.

"They just need to work more. In our economy, we're going to have to pay later. I'm not worrying about him [Dr. Brown]. He's already done his thing."

A man who called himself Grandmaster Craftman Rock only had great things to say about Dr. Brown.

"He's the best Premier we ever had. I wish he could stay longer. He's very stand-up. He fights back. He should stay because I don't think it was enough time.

"He didn't get to economic injustice, economic disparity and economic distribution. He didn't have enough time for that. I think he put a long time in America and he really didn't know, but he was all right.

"He did a lot of things. He made some beautiful changes. I wish he could stay a little bit longer. I hate to see him go. He fights back. He made my life beautiful."

Lee Smith said: "The fast ferries were a good thing and the free bus fare for children and seniors. He was all right.

"I think Paula Cox will do well. I always liked her. I think she will be a good leader. I think she's happy following her father's role taking care of the finances.

"I think she should stay there but I can't think of another person to be Premier."