Michael Dunkley, a former premier under the One Bermuda Alliance government, announced his retirement from the political arena, 27 years after taking the Devonshire South seat in Parliament in a by-election under the United Bermuda Party.

Mr Dunkley, 65, told the House of Assembly yesterday that he had come to “a very difficult decision” to step down from Smith’s North at the end of this month.

He thanked his wife, Pamela, along with his mother and family for their “enduring support and advice”.

Mr Dunkley told MPs: “This has not been an easy decision.

“Serving Smith's North, Devonshire East and Devonshire South over many years has been an honour and a privilege.”

Mr Dunkley said that he had “enjoyed working for the people and working for a better Bermuda”, calling Smith’s North “my extended family”.

“I will miss being on the doorstep and will miss those relationships.

“I have been blessed to serve for many years and honoured to be the twelfth premier of Bermuda.”

The announcement marked the conclusion of a political career that began in May 6, 1997, in the by-election triggered by the resignation of the late David Saul, the former UBP premier who previously held Devonshire South.

Mr Dunkley, the head of Dunkley’s Dairy, was then 38 years old.

Looking back on his career, including serving as premier from 2014 to 2017, Mr Dunkley recalled his satisfaction in representing Bermuda overseas.

Highlights ranged from announcing the island’s successful bid in hosting the 2017 America’s Cup to ringing the opening bell on Wall Street for the Risk and Insurance Management Society.

“I wore the flag with pride and endeavoured to spread the word about this wonderful island.”

He added: “It might seem strange to some, but I will also miss this chamber.

“While at times the behaviour can be suspect, I have developed an affinity for this place and the important debates through the years.”

He said that speaking on behalf of citizens had been “an honour I will always treasure”.

“I have appreciated the value of always being prepared and the importance of speaking, even if the message might be contrary to many in the chamber.

“That is the importance and strength of a healthy democracy. Thus my difficult decision.”

Mr Dunkley conceded that aspects of public service could take a toll on “one's family or business”.

He thanked family at Dunkley's, particularly his brother, Stephen.

Mr Dunkley called his wife “a true angel” who had backed him in entering politics, adding: “Now we can enjoy Friday nights together.”

He told the House that he looked forward to time with their two daughters and grandchildren.

Mr Dunkley also thanked his “Friday prayer warriors”.

“I have worked tirelessly in service and am proud of that service.”

He acknowledged “a few regrets” but said that he had given public service his all.

Saying the island had “significant challenges to face”, he called for collaboration over partisanship, which he said had wearied the public.

“In my time, I have seen less reaching across the aisle and more time spent in making sure one gets re-elected.”

He added that the island could not afford emphasis on attacking the other political party over “working on what's works best for Bermuda”.

“In my time, I have seen more importance placed in the party than the importance of Bermuda.

“This cannot continue. We must do better.”

He added: “The Government does not like to hear this — but the reality is that many in Bermuda are struggling like never before, emigration is occurring like never before and many lack confidence in the future.”

Mr Dunkley urged against “being distracted by issues such as a full membership in Caricom or independence”, which he said did not interest residents.

He pledged to remain available to assist the country after stepping down from politics, saying that his wish to better the island for future generations “will not wane”.

“Thank you, and may the good Lord continue to bless and guide this chamber and our island home.”

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• To read Mr Dunkley’s statement in full, look under “Related Media”.