Premier Jennifer Smith spoke on a wide range of issues in an interview with The Royal Gazette yesterday.

The Premier did not get a list of questions beforehand and made it clear that she would have preferred to have had at least a "general" idea of what the interview was to be about - so as to be better prepared. The Premier delivered a mix of combativeness, healthy candour, some defensiveness, and a little humour in her answers.

What might surprise some is her ability to be charming and feisty all within the same hour. She didn't hold any grudges when asked a question she didn't like too much. The interview proceeded like a roller-coaster.

In the end, the reporter left the Premier's office with a slight headache but with a better understanding, and appreciation, of how Madame Premier goes about her job - and sufficiently grateful to have had the opportunity for a no holds barred interview - after three years of asking. Some highlights: No she has not done all her Christmas shopping yet. Most of it will be done locally. She bought some wrapping paper - and cards - abroad. And, yes, she does get the sense that retailers are offering a better deal to locals.

The conduct of parliamentarians today is far "quieter, gentler and kinder" than in past years, she told The Royal Gazette. If you want to know what real rancour can be, go back to the days of the People's Five, she suggested.

Premier Smith is concerned about backbencher El James' refusal to sign the register of interests, but he's a "grown man who makes his own decisions" she explained. She has no objection to a bipartisan look at CARICOM. But the Opposition came up with their motion much too late in the process.

And she doesn't see public education as being in crisis. But she is not taking issue with those who do. Ms Smith said some progress has been made.