Opposition Leader Kim Swan said the United Bermuda Party has been actively making changes, and former UBP MP David Dodwell is out of the loop.

Mr. Dodwell, who has not been involved with the party since he lost his seat in the 2007 election, said on Monday that the UBP needed to change to survive.

He said during his 14 years as a UBP MP he repeatedly pushed for change but his suggestions, including putting a PLP MP in cabinet, were never adopted.

Responding to the comments, Mr. Swan said: "Mr. Dodwell, by his own words, has not been involved in the UBP since 2007, so readers have to keep that in mind.

"The United Bermuda Party has been making changes in the way we do business for some time, from constitutional reforms to policy reviews, to the adoption of new candidates across the Island.

"But our most important work is doing our best to make Bermuda a better place to live for everyone. That is what we are in the business of doing day in and day out."

While Mr. Swan said he understands the media and some people dwell on the internal workings of political parties, he asked the public to focus on the big picture.

'The reality is that Bermuda is in serous trouble in key areas of life, from shootings and gang culture to education failures and tourism's unchecked decline, to runaway public debt and other home-grown economic troubles.

"The UBP will continue to hold this Government's feet to the fire, not only because it is our job as Opposition, but because we are Bermudians who love this country and want it to do better."