Premier Alex Scott last night endorsed Corin Smith's decision to run as the Opposition's candidate for the Sandys North by-election, saying young Bermudians should involve themselves in political affairs in whatever capacity they see fit.

“I want to encourage him, I certainly don't want to discourage him,” he said moments after opening a Bermuda National Gallery exhibition.

“Because this is the moment for capable people to present themselves and contribute to the community. I think the community will be better served for it.”

Mr. Smith, a 36-year-old lawyer, was a member of the Progressive Labour Party (PLP), but spearheaded a protest vote movement during the 2003 General Election with the formation of the Gombey Liberation Party (GLP) which put up his brother Gavin to contest the St. George's North seat held by then Premier Jennifer Smith.

Last night Mr. Scott was gracious about losing a young professional to the ranks of the Opposition. “I'm glad to see him coming forward. It would be nice to have all the young people come to the PLP... Actually he said it better than I could have - that he sees the PLP in an ascendant position and he thinks the UBP would be well served by his talents and experience, which he in fact garnered with the PLP.”

He added : “We want the Opposition to be a good Opposition because they are going to be Opposition for a very, very long time.”

The ruling party is yet to make a decision on who will contest the seat made vacant by the death of Eugene Cox.

But with about a dozen potential candidates having already put their names forward, interest is reported to be exceptionally high.

“I think it's indicative of the support that the party is now getting both from within and from the general community,” he said.

“The poll numbers say it and at events like this we feel it.” He added that with so many people interested in running for the PLP, especially professionals, the “bar is being raised in politics”.

“We used to have to plead for professionals to come forward. Mr. Cox was one of the first and now we've got several professional types who are prepared to come forward and pick up the baton.”

The Premier spoke briefly about his Government's renewed focus on social issues, articulated in a speech to Rotary Club this week.

“The moment and time has come for us to now really and seriously address the social needs of our community,” he said.

He said it was in the best interests of the community and the climate was right. The business community will be asked to contribute, but not be expected to merely dish out funds.

“Bermuda is ready to come together and it is in the best interests of all of us to share in the largesse that is here.”

He said it was not enough to be recognised as the third wealthiest country in the world if people were being left behind.