?Surviving? is the first word that comes to Premier Alex Scott when asked the most notable achievements of his Premiership.

But the man who a year ago dubbed himself a reluctant leader has settled firmly in his role and has high hopes for the Country.

In an hour-long interview which will be published in tomorrow?s , the Premier spoke confidently about the immediate future, his long term vision for Bermuda and Independence.

?I don?t think Bermuda has realised its fullest potential and I would like to play some small role in moving Bermuda along to its fullest potential.?

With his trademark humour and frankness, he delved into the benefits of Caricom, his analysis of his sagging poll ratings and his party?s ?social agenda? for the country.

And he revealed that legislation that would further improve Bermuda?s democracy was imminent.

But he insisted that ?anyone evaluating the strength of our democracy here has to walk away impressed.?

The year ahead will bring an end to the slow trickle of legislation through Parliament, the beginning of a drive to address social issues and the continuation of a national discussion on Independence, he told this week.

?No one complained more than I did,? the Premier said when the topic of the pace of legislation was broached. ?We?ll over the next 18 months get ahead of that... (Senate) will say ?enough already ? too much legislation?.?