The tribalism of two-party politics in Bermuda has never been kind to Independent Parliamentarians.

To forego party allegiance is, traditionally, to find oneself alone in the political wilderness on a short route to obscurity. Not for Terry Lister. After parting ways with the Progressive Labour Party in less than amicable circumstances after the last election, Mr Lister has acquitted himself admirably as an Independent, proving a credit both to Parliament and the constituents who sent him there.

The veteran Member of Parliament, and long one of our brightest and most able politicians, has become something indispensable: a moderate and impartial voice in an intensely partisan age. In many ways, Mr Lister was the ideal candidate for the role he has now assumed. His vast experience — he has served in the legislature since 1993, and held several Ministries during the former Government — affords him a wealth of knowledge and institutional wisdom over many areas of government policy.

While opposition politicians typically adopt a single issue to be their focus, there are very few subjects not encompassed by Mr Lister’s roving Shadow Ministry. During this month’s budget session, for instance, he has made characteristically informed and thoughtful contributions to debates on the state of prisons, public transport, environmental conservation and much else besides. He is also a regular fixture in the morning question period, and his probing of Ministers has a tendency to get right to the heart of matters.

If Mr Lister has felt constrained or isolated as an Independent MP, he shows little sign of it. In a House of Assembly with too many members who are conspicuous by their silence, this degree of engagement is all the more commendable.

Mr Lister has also managed to stay above the petty squabbling that too often characterises Parliamentary exchanges. His speeches exhibit a singular focus on the problems confronting the Island, and the search for solutions regardless of their source. It is this thoroughly even-handed approach to politics that has earned Mr Lister the admiration of many political observers. Despite his years of service to the PLP, he has not been averse to praising initiatives by the One Bermuda Alliance. Indeed, on at least one occasion he has cast the deciding vote to pass a Government bill.

At the other times, however, he has ranked among the OBA’s staunchest critics. His prolonged lambasting of the Government front bench during the recent waterfront lease debate was one of the most memorable speeches heard in the House of Assembly for some time.

Without the assistance of any party apparatus, Mr Lister has become one of our most versatile and valuable MPs. Many would regard his as a thankless role, but he has made it his own and flourished in it. His estimable work as a truly Independent MP has enriched our political scene, and Bermuda is all the better for it.

Mr Lister has said he plans to serve out the balance of his political career as an Independent. Unfortunately, if he does so, he will face a stern and perhaps insurmountable re-election challenge. The PLP, vying for a return to power, will not lightly relinquish a traditional safe seat. Doubtless no effort will be spared to return Sandys South to the party’s seat count.

After all, party politics — for better or worse, seems to be here to stay. But Mr Lister’s worthy contribution to the current Parliament suggests the presence of a small number of Independent members, unbound by the strictures of a party line, might be no bad thing. Bermudian politics has been redeemed considerably of late by a single, independent voice of reason.

Let us hope the voters take notice.