Young people appreciate the Government’s competence and accountability, according to Junior National Security Minister Jonathan Smith.Senator Smith has hit out at recent criticisms of Government and Premier Paula Cox accusing critics of not knowing what they are talking about.He told the Senate during Wednesday’s motion to adjourn that he was confident Bermuda’s young people could “see through” the criticisms.Sen Smith said he had been prompted to speak out after Ms Cox was told to “take ownership of problems” and the Government had been blasted as “incompetent.”He likened these criticisms to passengers shouting out to the qualified pilot how he should fly a plane.Sen Smith said: “What are comments like that trying to say to our young people? They are going to wonder what’s going on.“We are doing our best for Bermuda but we have people constantly criticising.“Then with one zing these comments go all around the world when we are working hard to build a future for our young people. Our overseas reputation is also on the line.”Sen Smith went on to say that although young people were “uncertain about their futures and uncertain about jobs” he remained confident they “looked up to people in leadership.”He said: “Young people want to be heard. They want to see decisive action. They know it’s okay to change the course when needed.“They appreciate we are a responsible and competent Government that is listening to the people.“This level of accountability is unrecognisable in any prior Government. That’s what young people are looking for, that kind of promise.”However, One Bermuda Alliance Senate leader Michael Dunkley said he would have to take “strong difference” to Sen Smith’s comments.Sen Dunkley said: “We have heard about an alleged culture of accountability, but I think the public would have a hard time swallowing that one.“I appreciate the Government’s commitment to increasing levels of accountability, but they’ve got a long way to go.”