Business, tourism and union leaders gave their best wishes to Premier-elect Paula Cox last night — and gave some hints on what they'd like to see her do.

Brad Kading, of the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers, said: "We offer Ms Cox our very best wishes. We'd look forward to the continuing efforts of the Bermuda Premier to build goodwill with Government officials in the US and the EU that are our major trading partners.

"We'd also look forward to a review of Government policies that may affect the cost of doing business in Bermuda so that Bermuda remains an attractive location for ABIR members and their employees.

"We'd also encourage the Government to review ethics and transparency laws that are used in our major trading partners to see if they are relevant for consideration in Bermuda. "

Diane Gordon, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, said: "Ms Cox has an unenviable task to turn around an unwieldy civil service that has outgrown the tax base and is increasing our overseas debt on a daily basis.

"Be assured that the Chamber will work closely with her and the newly appointed Cabinet to bring home the realities currently facing businesses throughout the Island with constructive suggestions for mapping a way forward to alleviate the unemployment and returning Bermuda towards the prosperity it once knew."

John Harvey, chief executive officer of the Bermuda Hotel Association, said: "We've known Minister Cox for a long time as Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier. We've had lots of experience of working with her and look forward to continuing to work with her. We offer her our congratulations."

Bermuda Industrial Union president Chris Furbert said he personally wanted Ms Cox to win and was pleased his BIU predecessor Mr. Burgess was her deputy.

He said the Finance Minister sat down with the BIU several weeks ago and did not seek its support, but said she wanted to improve the relationship between Government and the union.

"We have a good working relationship but anything can be made better," he said, adding the union wanted some legislative changes.

He said unemployment was the key issue he hoped the new administration would tackle.

"This is not just a Ministry of (Labour and) Immigration challenge; this is a challenge for entire country. The Ministry can only do so much. It's going to be a collective effort. Bermudians are being put out of work, while guest workers remain in work."