Unity. That was the word on everybody’s lips last night, as it was confirmed that Ewart Brown had emerged victorious in another divisive PLP leadership battle.

As the curtain came down on a fortnight of behind-the-scenes political deals, feverish lobbying and wild speculation, the new Premier’s sole focus turned to an overflowing Cabinet in-tray.

The usual suspects were all there: affordable housing, crime, the menace of drugs and guns, economic empowerment and sustainable development.

Most, if not all, will probably figure highly in the forthcoming Throne Speech.

The debate on cutting ties with the UK, although now a subject officially placed on the “backburner”, is unlikely to be kept on the sidelines for too long by the PLP, despite steadfast resistance from the anti-Independence lobby.

Mr. Scott opened the delegates conference earlier this week by saying how quickly the party had resolved its divisions after the coup that unseated Dame Jennifer Smith.

Some would argue the former Premier merely succeeded in promoting an illusion of unity under the guise of collective responsibility, repeatedly shuffling his ministerial pack while plots were hatched and unrest simmered just under the surface.

Today divisions in the party look even more gaping.

And political figures The Royal Gazette <$>spoke to yesterday confirmed that getting the PLP on message so meaningful reforms could be carried out before the next election would be Dr. Brown’s most pressing issue.

PLP spokesman Scott Simmons, speaking before the winner was confirmed, said: “Whoever takes over will have to work pretty hard to bring the party together.

“It will be a challenge; it’s not insurmountable but it’s one nonetheless.”

But, despite criticism from the UBP, he denied that such leadership challenges were bad for the country. Mr. Simmons said that the “inclusive membership” of the PLP was democratic.

In a swipe at the way in which current Opposition leader Wayne Furbert was selected, he said: “We do not sit in living rooms and decide our next leader. We do it in the sunshine of public scrutiny.”

A senior PLP source last night played down the question of unity. But he admitted that it would be vital for the newly elected leader to ensure the party was in a fit state to fight the next general election.

“I think there’s a lot of overstatement about unity,” said the source. “Everyone in this is PLP, even if they may not feel satisfaction with the leader. People have to vote for somebody.”

He said the Opposition would try and play on talk of division. “I would do that too,” he added. “But I don’t think they are going to succeed.”

One UBP insider, however, said the main challenge for last night’s victor was to restore the “credibility of Government”.

“I think the Government is much more vulnerable to losing the next election if they do not get closer to the needs of the people. The 1998 Throne Speech promised housing and it’s only just coming on stream.”

Civil servants play a key role in delivering Government policies and one PLP source told The Royal Gazette <$>that under a Dr. Brown leadership bureaucrats would be target driven.

“Under Alex Scott we would continue to have had a civil service that’s serving the people of Bermuda but that can do a whole lot better.

“There’s a system in place today that does not demand that civil servants perform.”

Last night The Royal Gazette <$>asked people away from political circles what they thought should be top of the Premier’s in-tray.

Unsurprisingly, most agreed that housing was a top priority.

The message from traders to Government was — stop chopping and changing and get your house in order.

Diane Gordon, executive vice president of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, said: “We need to stop having reshuffles and need to allow ministers to do their jobs and be able to perform.”

Michael Ray, president of the Bermuda Taxi Association, listed housing, drug-related crime, education and a level playing field for Bermudians as priorities.

But he also said a taxi commission needed to be set up to look at fares and gas allowances. Unpopular solutions might also be needed to cut gridlock on the Island’s roads.

“Single people should not be driving cars if they do not need them,” he added. “That’s Bermudians and expats.” Michael Charles, general secretary of the Bermuda Union of Teachers, said housing prices had placed properties out of the reach of most teachers, who earn an average salary of about $60,000 with a university degree. “They can’t get a mortgage for $1 million,” he said. “Everyone is talking about affordable housing, if there is such a thing. I would like to see houses people can afford.”

On education, he said that he wanted to see increased graduation rates, more students staying in school and more technical courses in high schools.

Bermuda Industrial Union president Chris Furbert said that Labour Minister Derrick Burgess was addressing the union’s most pressing demand — work permit breaches. He also said that Independence needed to be resolved. “Some form of decision is going to have to be made,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Premier might have won the confidence of many veteran PLP delegates.

But he was last night urged not to forget about the next generation of voters.

Mario Swainson, 18, in his final year at CedarBridge, said: “Whoever wins has to try and connect with 16 to 25 year olds.”

He suggested the Premier visit high schools more regularly and talk to students about drop-out and graduation rates.

Mr. Swainson added: “They should hold youth forums. Young people feel a little bit cut off from the political process.”

The leadership fight at Devonshire Rec may have been won by Dr. Brown, but it’s clear that plenty more battles lie ahead.