There's a lot to like in Terry Lister's platform for leadership of the Progressive Labour Party.

It's a politically moderate, centrist approach to dealing with the multiple challenges facing the Island. And as such it may well have a great deal of appeal across party lines.

Proposals like reducing capital spending (and thus debt), a tax review, a renewed focus on the US East Coast for tourism, reaching out to international business by "dusting off the welcome mat and starting over, listening, facilitating and sharing" and considering trials without juries to bring justice against gun criminals will appeal to many, especially in the business community.

Psychologically, Mr. Lister's campaign seems to deliberately move away from the divisive, race-based politics of the soon-to-be-over Ewart Brown era and proposes, for want of a better phrase, a kinder and gentler Bermuda where there's more room for consensus and less for conflict.

Indeed, in some ways, Mr. Lister seems to be running against Dr. Brown rather than against the others vying to succeed the Premier, especially with comments like this: "To just have enemies to have enemies, to me, doesn't make sense."

That comment, made in the context of Dr. Brown's long running fights with taxi drivers and the media, reinforces the perception of Dr. Brown as a divisive leader who enjoys conflict.

Still, Mr. Lister's strategy, as welcome as it may be to the broader community, is a risky one. He is in effect, asking the Progressive Labour Party to repudiate the style and substance of the last four years and to return to a more fiscally conservative and business friendly approach.

That's a similar approach to the one Dr. Brown took four years ago when he challenged then-Premier Alex Scott, except then Dr. Brown criticised his predecessors for failing to deliver change on social issues and for, in effect, being too business-friendly.

But the tactic of admitting a lack of achievement was much the same.

The difference this time is that Mr. Lister is not running against Dr. Brown, although it is not impossible that a strong Brown supporter may still throw his hat in the ring.

However, Mr. Lister's most likely opponent is Finance Minister Paula Cox, and that's a different proposition.

Ms Cox has traditionally been more consensus driven and was for years the most popular politician in Bermuda.

That began to change earlier this year, especially after she stated she was a "cog in the wheel" in government, a remark that seemed to suggest she took no responsibility for Government decisions. That was followed by the Budget, when her reputation for sound financial management was shaken.

No doubt Mr. Lister will have to put his own background as an accountant and former Deloitte partner up against Ms Cox's on the economic front.

Politically, he will have to compare his principled decision to resign over the Uighurs with Ms Cox's decision to stay in. In doing so, he will try to paint her as an, if not willing, then at least acquiescent partner of Dr. Brown's in the decision-making of the last four years.

Even so, Mr. Lister has a tough task ahead of him. Ms Cox remains much more popular and well known than Mr. Lister, despite his having served in many Cabinet posts. She will also be able to call on much support within the party, where loyalty remains strong, although he seems to have support from the party's Sandys stronghold.

There is also a risk that he will split the vote wth Dale Butler, if he chooses to run, who appeals to much the same constituency.

In the end, much will depend on old fashioned canvassing and who signs up the most delegates. But what is clear is that although Ms Cox is the strong favourite, there will be a contest.