Bermuda's new political party can cash in on young people's "general disgust" with the Progressive Labour Party and United Bermuda Party, according to former PLP Senator Davida Morris.

However, Ms Morris says the group set up by UBP defectors Shawn Crockwell, Donte Hunt and Mark Pettingill must prove they have what it takes to lead the Country — and not rely on getting votes simply by being "the other guys".

The new party currently has no name, and its launch date has not yet been announced, with the trio revealing little except that they will have a manifesto of equal opportunity, social justice, security and fiscal conservatism.

But Ms Morris said young people she has spoken to are relieved at the prospect of an alternative to Bermuda's two traditional parties.

"The response is cautiously optimistic," Ms Morris told The Royal Gazette.

"There are some who would like to give the new party a chance and see what it has to offer. At the same time they are cautious because those who are PLP supporters are wary due to the fact that they came out of the UBP.

"There are PLP and UBP supporters willing to give the new party a chance due to their general disgust with both parties.

"It seems most young adults are keeping their options open because even though they voted for a particular party in the last election they do not feel they must be tied to them.

"With the recent activities of the ruling party and the implosion of the Opposition I think a new party will be well served to court the younger generations heavily.

"But they will have to show and prove why they deserve this generation's vote. It cannot be simply because 'we're not the other guys'. That simply won't be good enough. They need to prove that they are worthy of it."

Premier Ewart Brown appointed Ms Morris as one of Bermuda's youngest ever Senators in November 2006, before removing her in favour of Hott 107.5's Thaao Dill a year later.

In recent months, Ms Morris has stated she is saddened and embarrassed by the PLP's use of race and censorship as a defence.

Three months ago, she said young people like herself were crying out for a new party because they were sick of the petty bickering between the PLP and UBP.

Regarding her own potential as a recruit for the UBP defectors' initiative, Ms Morris yesterday said she was concentrating on her studies in the UK and enjoying observing the political scene having become "persona non grata" with the PLP.

MPs Mr. Crockwell, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Pettingill quit the UBP earlier this month, along with Senator Michael Fahy, chairman Sean Pitcher and candidate Wayne Scott, in frustration at its failure to reform into a viable alternative to the PLP.

The MPs will sit as independents until the new party is officially formed.

They say they have received overwhelming support from both sides of the political divide and major funding pledges in place.