The official launch of the One Bermuda Alliance was one of the “worst kept secrets in Bermuda.”Yesterday’s press conference turned out to be more of a formal procedure than an eagerly anticipated launch of the Island’s new political party.There was nothing hush-hush about the big announcement, as we all knew exactly what was coming. We all knew the party’s name and who would take the top roles. Even the party’s draft constitution had been leaked on the Internet for us to read at our leisure.But none of that seemed to spoil the moment for the former members of the United Bermuda Party and the Bermuda Democratic Alliance. It was their big day and they were determined to enjoy it.The new party members were all smiles and as they arrived at the Vasco Da Gama Club from about 12.15pm. Former rival politicians were now the best of friends as they shook hands and hugged one another. They excitedly chatted among themselves as their audience took their seats.The scene was set with a huge poster revealing the OBA’s logo and slogan. The letters OBA overlapped in blue, red and gold next to the words: ‘Putting Bermuda first.’It was a very low-key launch with the media on one side of the room, and no more than about 10 supporters on the other side. It was a far cry from the huge BDA launch 16 months ago, which saw crowds of people gathered on the steps of Cabinet.At 12.30pm on the dot, OBA leader John Barritt stood up to ask: “Is everybody ready?” then proceeded to welcome people to “the formation of the new political party, the OBA.”Mr Barritt kicked off by admitting: “This is one of the worst kept secrets in Bermuda, if anyone ever thought you could keep a secret in Bermuda.”He gave a 15-minute speech titled ‘A New Beginning’ saying he was pleased to be surrounded by his old and new colleagues.Sharing the ‘stage’ with him were OBA Senator Kathy Michelmore and OBA chairman Michael Fahy to his left. On the right sat OBA deputy leader Craig Cannonier and OBA MPs ET (Bob) Richards and Trevor Moniz. They listened intently with straight faces and occasionally nodded in agreement to what was being said.Mr Barritt kept it formal, only being diverted from his launch speech to joke: “Excuse me, ZBM” after accidentally knocking the TV station’s microphone.It was then over to Mr Cannonier to have his say with a 15-minute speech entitled ‘Truly It Is A New Day.’ He took more of a personal and lighthearted approach as he shared his need to quickly rush to the restroom, suggesting maybe he was more nervous than he thought.Mr Cannonier explained that a few years back he hadn’t even known Mr Barritt “other than reading a few of his columns and seeing him in the newspapers” but by the end of the speech he was calling him: “My good friend John.”Mr Cannonier was also full of thanks, as he praised his wife “who hasn’t seen me much in the last year-and-a-half” plus his former BDA members for their “tireless efforts in helping to shape my political future.”Mr Barritt stood up again to answer the seven or so questions thrown at him by members of the media. He looked completely at ease as he tackled topics such as funding and the party’s chances at the next general election, although he repeatedly had to explain that he had “resigned from the UBP and could not speak on UBP matters.”Throughout the speeches and questions, former BDA MP Mark Pettingill stood at the back of the room alongside former BDA members Michael Branco, Toni Daniels and Wayne Scott. In contrast the newly announced OBA Senator Michael Dunkley took a seat in the front row.MPs Shawn Crockwell and Cole Simons made the effort to show their faces even though they arrived late and tiptoed out early. However, there were notable absences from MPs Louise Jackson, Grant Gibbons, Patricia Gordon-Pamplin and Donte Hunt.Some party members waited around at the end of the press conference to pose for photos and speak to the media, while others rushed off saying they “didn’t want to get a parking ticket.”By about 1.15pm the room was empty and the only thing left to do was for Mr Barritt, Mr Cannonier and a handful of the other main players to head to the Bistro at The Beach on Front Street for a celebratory drink.