A young Bermudian political commentator has expressed hope that the General Election campaign will focus on issues, not rhetoric.

Denis Pitcher, 26, who runs the blog site 21Square said: "Given the lead-up to the election thus far, it would be unsurprising to witness a tone which mirrors last election. Unfortunately it would not be surprising to witness the core issues facing the long term prosperity and welfare of the Island fall to the wayside in the face of political rhetoric."

He added: "One could hope that this election will be decided upon individuals asking themselves the hard question of how their lives have been changed over the last few years and how their lives shall change in the future based upon the leadership we elect. Unfortunately it is more likely that the election will be decided based upon a battle in the ancient art of rhetoric as each party attempts to paint the other as the most corrupt.

"Knowing that it is likely that we shall choose our next leadership not based upon the issues that will provide all Bermudians with the best future, but instead based upon identifying who is the least corrupt is a harrowing thought."

Fellow commentator and one time potential Independent candidate Tim Marshall echoed Mr. Pitcher's views.

"Bermudians will need to focus on their core values and what they expect from their leaders, and fight the temptation to give way to emotive and racially charged issues when casting their ballot," he said.

Asked why he decided not to stand as an Independent in Sandys South as originally planned, Mr. Marshall said: "I felt Bermuda was going badly off course and thought it important to offer an alternative to the voters in Sandys South.

"After canvassing and careful consideration, I came to the view that an Independent would cloud the political landscape and inevitably split the vote. What is at stake in this next election is really much bigger than what an Independent can hope to bring to the table or address single-handedly. On reflection I felt it was better for the voters in Sandys South to have two clear choices, the same choices that will be debated across the Island."