Long-serving Government MP Walter Lister is to retire from politics at the next General Election.

The Sandys South Central representative, an MP since 1976 and a former Cabinet Minister, Party Whip and Deputy Speaker, says he will make way for fresh blood after more than three decades in the House of Assembly.

"It's been a real joy to represent this district for the last 34 years and it's my intention at this stage not to make myself available as a candidate in the next General Election," the veteran Progressive Labour Party member told The Royal Gazette.

"It's been a wonderful opportunity, but I'm a politician who believes there's another life after politics which is different but equally as good."

Mr. Lister, who was in his early 30s when he was first elected, said: "When I was first honoured at Parliament I was the youngest member in that House.

"I'm not the oldest member in the House — there are members that are older — and I'm going to go before I have that honour at the other end.

"When I look back, it's been a wonderful experience and of course I want to thank the people of Sandys South Central for the opportunity to have served because that in itself is a very great honour.

"I think an MP must always be available to share and help wherever he can. If the phone is ringing at any hour of the day, you must be prepared to answer.

"Although I'm retiring from Parliament at the end of this House, I'm the self-appointed Earl of Sandys Parish, which means I'm still available; I'm just not in the House."

Mr. Lister said he originally became the PLP's candidate for the area, then known as Sandys South in a meeting held in a "back room of politics".

"I was in my office and got a call one morning to meet two party officials for lunch at Henry VIII's restaurant," he recalled.

"I didn't know what it was all about. I attended the luncheon and when I left I was a candidate for Sandys South. I was picked in a back room of politics.

"I'm hoping that the candidate who is picked in Sandys South Central is picked in an open and democratic process."

Changes to the PLP's constitution mean the branch gets to vote over any party members that put themselves forward.

Young party organiser Makai Dickerson has already said he's considering running in Constituency 34; Mr. Lister said he believes many more will step forward closer to election time.

Mr. Lister named the 1977 riots as one of the most significant events during his time in politics, while saying memorable moments included meeting the leaders of many countries and recently helping entertain the Queen.

He also picked out the late Dame Lois Browne Evans as a dynamic and forceful leader.

"She was criticised mercilessly during her days of struggle, but we now consider her a national hero," he said.

And he predicted that, despite heavy criticism in recent times, in years to come Premier Dr. Ewart Brown could also be remembered favourably because of the way he's shaken up Bermuda.

"I have been there for three Premiers in the PLP and every one brings their own style to the job," he said. "We have never had a Premier who hasn't had criticism.

"But criticism is healthy. The more criticism you get, I think, the better job you do."

For a large part of his political career, Mr. Lister has sat in the House alongside his two nephews, Terry and Dennis, who are both also Sandys MPs.

PLP backbencher Terry Lister said yesterday: "My uncle inspired me to believe that I too could offer the people of Bermuda public service.

"He always stressed that we are to be about the people's business and that important idea has never left me. This forms the basis of the way he, my brother and myself approach our constituency responsibilities.

"My uncle did serve as a Minister in the (Alex) Scott administration, but he will be long remembered as a very easy-going member of the House — until he sat in the Speaker's chair. Once there a certain sternness came over him and he was not to be trifled with. He knew how to lay down the law.

"We will miss our uncle in the House as he has been a role model, mentor, uncle and friend."