Progressive Labour Party MP Terry Lister last night spoke to a mixed crowd of supporters and critics in his bid for Premiership, at the Cathedral Hall in the City of Hamilton.

Nearly 50 people came out to hear the leadership contender, including Government MP Randy Horton, former Attorney General Phil Perinchief and Government backbencher Dennis Lister.

It was one of a series of meetings scheduled from now until September to open up a dialogue between Mr. Lister and the community.

The MP is in the running to succeed Premier Dr. Ewart Brown when his term finishes in October. Finance Minister Paula Cox and MP Dale Butler are also potential candidates.

Many of those in attendance were supporters of Mr. Lister. While a few others launched a verbal assault on his Government's handling of crime, gambling and people with disabilities.

Former Attorney General Phil Perinchief said he "willingly" supported Mr. Lister in his campaign.

He told The Royal Gazette: "Terry is the best of the three potential candidates and certainly his experience in financial and economic matters is what we need in this time to rescue Bermuda. I believe Terry is going to bring a sense of a new Progressive Labour Party thought and vision which is inclusive and quite different from the recent administration.

"I think he will also surround himself with the best the brightest talent in the PLP and throughout Bermuda. And that he can take the hard shots, make the hard decisions and come back from them."

Progressive Labour Party backbencher Wayne Perinchief added: "I recognise that a lot of our delegates are going to place support on the next Premier on what I consider popularity and tradition. I would hope they would be more pragmatic in their selection of a new Premier and really consider what the need is for the country and what is required to bring Bermuda out of the financial doldrum it is in.

"And also (hope the winning candidate can) exhibit some leadership of the country on the issues of public safety, crime and violence. And I think Terry has that personal resolve to deal firmly with the issues."

But support for Mr. Lister appeared to be more split from the public. The mother of an adult child with disabilities said she was "appalled" by the lack of support given to her by Government. She said: "You can become disabled in a split second and I do not see no one in here coming by my house and giving me any (help)." She told Mr. Lister he was an "embarrassment to the Government".

But the MP said he was being unfairly criticised as he is not and has never been [EmDash] Health Minister. "Frustration is acceptable but hitting the right target is important, I am not your target."

While the discussion topics varied widely in the meeting, Mr. Lister said last night's talk was intended to focus on the economy. He said, if elected leader, he would reduce the Island's debt and increase economic productivity for all. As recently as 1985 the Island had no debt, he said. But he witnessed in 2004 as the number grew to $180 M and then in 2006 as it tipped $240 M.

He pledged to order a review of the tax structure, something which has not been undertaken in a decade. "All revenue and expenditure most be examined to ensure a surplus on the current account. In order to improve our financial position, Government's accounts recievables must be collected faster and more efficiently," he said. "Current practices will be evaluated and enhanced to achieve this end. As your leader I work with my Cabinet to ensure that every civil servant is accountable for his or her performance."

The next meeting will at St. Paul's Hall in Paget on August 12 at 7 p.m. On that occasion Mr. Lister will discuss his thoughts on the environment and energy.

For more information, visit Mr. Lister's Facebook page or follow him on Twitter.