Dunkley: it’s unsettling but all part of the political process
Michael Dunkley, the former premier and One Bermuda Alliance leader said the party leadership issues that made headlines this week might be “unsettling”, but were part of the political process.
Mr Dunkley also said he was confident that the process would run its natural course.
He offered the comment yesterday as a member of the party, as he is no longer an MP and was not involved in the change in leadership at the helm of the OBA this week.
Mr Dunkley said: “As a member of the party and someone who dedicated years to public service, I have seen these kinds of unfortunate issues arise.
“They can be unsettling, but it’s all part of the political process, and when they have them they have to be dealt with. I have confidence that the political process will play out, I have confidence in the MPs doing what they believe.”
His comment came after Ben Smith replaced Robert King as Leader of the Opposition via a vote of no confidence in a move that shocked Mr King’s supporters.
The announcement prompted a wave of negative responses from the community, with some saying the move sounds a death knell for the party.
Mr Dunkley responded: “In the short term, I am sure people will look at it like that. But in the medium and long-term, let it play out.
“I have seen a lot of unfortunate circumstances. Politics is not Sunday school, it’s not a birthday party; you have to work through them. It is up to the parliamentary group of the party.
“I have confidence that they are in touch with what the people are saying and will try to move through it as quickly as possible.
“They have to settle the membership base. It is all about being connected to the people, serving them and getting them to understand.”
Mr King was chosen by party members when he defeated Mr Smith at an OBA leadership contest in September, but he came under pressure from fellow MPs to step down.
Mr Dunkley backed Mr Smith last September and at the time he said he was confident in his performance in Parliament.
Yesterday, he said: “I have always thought Ben Smith has good leadership qualities — he has worked with young people, he has deep roots in the community and I think he has good intentions.
“Now he has to prove it. Just as Mr King would call me and get my advice, my phone line is always open to him.
“Mr King is still an elected member for his constituency, he has a big job to do and I am sure they would welcome him to be a strong contributor.”
Asked whether the process that led to the removal of Mr King from the post was democratic, Mr Dunkley said: “I understand the sentiment, but it is in the party constitution and rules and regulations.
“The parliamentary group has to be able to able to make decisions and move forward. It is an unfortunate situation, but it is not new to any political party.”
The Progressive Labour Party acknowledged the appointment of Ben Smith as the Leader of the Opposition.
The PLP said Bermudians benefit when there is an Opposition that is constructive, credible and stable.
The party deemed the process that included the removal of Robert King from the post of Opposition leader as a “debilitating distraction”.
The governing party said it remained focused on working to provide cost of living relief, invest in Bermudians, expand access to affordable housing and expand access to affordable healthcare.
“That work continues regardless of political drama elsewhere,” the party added.
Yesterday the Progressive Labour Party acknowledged the change in leadership at the helm of the OBA.
The party also said Mr Smith’s appointment was the eighth as Opposition leader in the past nine years.
Mr Dunkley commented: “I won’t get into a back and forth about it, but if the PLP took a closer look at what they have done, it would be wise for them not to comment on another party’s political issues.
“When the current leader [David Burt] steps down, I am sure it won’t be easy; everyone will be jostling.
“The PLP should stick to governing as it is a difficult time and they have a mammoth task to do. Support for the party has also waned.”
Mr Dunkley expressed optimism when asked about the impact the events of this week would have on the OBA’s chances of becoming the next government.
He said: “It depends when the election is called. I doubt he would call one now considering there was one just a year ago. They might call one after.
“The OBA has enough time to get its act together so they are rowing in the same direction.”
Mr Dunkley, who retired from the legislature in March 2024, said he has no intentions of returning to politics.
He added: “As I said in my retirement, tomorrow is promised to no one. I have a family, I have grandchildren, I just had another grandchild this week.
“I need to spend my Friday nights with them, nurturing and raising them.”
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