With Premier Ewart Brown announcing the general election, The Royal Gazette hit the streets of Hamilton asking residents what they thought about the decision. The questions were simple: What do you think about the election being called, who do you think will win and which party leader do you favour.

Most people said they were neutral but thought Dr. Brown would find himself back in power. Vincent Roberts said: "To be honest, I kind of want UBP to win because they are the lesser of two evils.''

He said he didn't have a preference between Michael Dunkley or Dr. Brown but when asked what he thought about the election being called, he said: "It's about time. It's always being called for the favour of the party leading."

Cal Grimes said he was neutral but said he thinks the election was called because of the BHC scandal ruling.

"I strongly believe that the decision he made came about from the decision out of the Privy Council in London. I believe by calling it as close as December 18 is going to catch the Opposition unprepared."

Gary Williams said he prefers Michael Dunkley but thought the PLP would win.

"I think the PLP will get in mainly because Bermudians complain about how the PLP is doing this and doing that but they're still going to win."

He also said he believes the election was called for personal reasons.

Joanne Levon, a Michael Dunkley supporter, said: "It's about time. We can then start to move on with whomever wins and get past all the rhetoric and mudslinging."

She also said she doesn't know who will win because it will be a tight call and said Dr. Brown is too interested in himself and self-gratification.

Eric Trott hoped the PLP would win because he has been a supporter his whole life.

He said: "If we don't vote, it's like they are taking away our right to speak. If you don't vote, you can't complain about what goes on in the house."

Mayor of Hamilton, Sutherland Madeiros doesn't have a party preference.

When asked about the date of the election, he said: "I just think it's a very busy time of year but he obviously has chosen a strategy. I think it will be a close election."

Cliff Lambert agreed with Mr. Madeiros' opinion of Dr. Brown having a strategy.

"I'm sure he has a strategy and I think that him calling it on December 18, he's worked it out to be best called for PLP. The Opposition will have to work hard to combat it.''

He said the election would be too close to call and if the PLP won, it would prove whether or not Bermudians want Dr. Brown.

Vejay Steede said he thinks the election was called at a good time. "It's about time we had one. He's calculated a good strategy with the college kids coming home at that time.

"I think the PLP will win because I think they've done some good things and they deserve to continue with the opportunity to make necessary changes."

Mr. Steede prefers Dr. Brown because he said he has good ideas and he's not afraid to displease people if he thinks something is right.