Bermuda Democratic Alliance leader Craig Cannonier yesterday called for the United Bermuda Party to call it a day "for the good of the Country".

Mr Cannonier said the BDA should step up as the official Opposition in the wake of more turmoil in the UBP, which is torn over the by-election selection of Devrae Noel-Simmons and demotion of Senator Michael Dunkley.

"Once again the Country has been treated to what has become a perennial story about the United Bermuda Party's internal disharmony," said the Alliance leader in a press statement.

"The Country deserves a strong Opposition party that can hold the Government accountable. The Country deserves more than a dysfunctional official Opposition.

"It should by now be obvious to everyone that the UBP, as weak and fragmented as it is, cannot succeed in its role as the official Opposition.

"It should also be obvious that the UBP's long tenure as the ruling party of this Country has left a significant proportion of our people determined not to ever give the UBP another chance to govern. Such is the legacy of the UBP — despite its best and most sincere efforts.

"I call upon the United Bermuda Party to seriously consider whether the time has come to call it a day. It's time for the United Bermuda Party to own its legacy — both its positive and negative aspects — and to do the right thing for the good of the Country. A decision to switch off the lights and move off the stage will be one welcomed by the vast majority of the country — even those who have been long time supporters of the United Bermuda Party."

Mr Cannonier said he has tremendous respect for Kim Swan's decision to take charge of the UBP in the aftermath of its 2007 General Election defeat.

But he said the BDA is now the "most vibrant political movement this Country has seen in recent history".

"The Alliance is ready to assume the role of the official Opposition of this Country," he said.

"We will be ready to fight the General Election whenever it is called and we are ready to field candidates in any by-election.

"We welcome discussions with anyone who wishes to join the Alliance. Our only insistence is that the Country comes first.

"The majority of us in the Alliance are, like myself, completely new to politics. We are an answer to the call of the people for a new politics. A handful of us have a number of years of experience in politics.

"All of us recognise that no one comes to the Alliance with an expectation of perks or privilege. All of us recognise that we must work to build a new political organisation which will take the lead in changing the way Bermuda conducts its politics. We owe this to our consciences and we owe it to our Country."