and thanked his constituents for their support during his tenure.

During the Motion to Adjourn, the MP, who had served the Country for 35 years, said he had enjoyed working for his electorate and said he had many letters and calls of support.

He said he was looking forward to the next election, whatever the result, and said he would support his party throughout.

And he took a last swipe at the UBP, claiming there was a majority of people in Bermuda who are not truly represented and hoped they would support the PLP in the election.

UBP MP Leonard Gibbons was also standing down after 11 years in the House.

The MP for Smith's North said it was time to stand aside for younger people.

Mr. Gibbons, who had served as both a back bencher and Minister, said it had been a pleasure to serve his country.

Former UBP MP and now PLP member Grace Bell threw no light on her future role within the Opposition, as she thanked everyone who had supported her in St.

George's South.

"I look forward in the near future to seeing them as I assist the two new people who will be running there,'' she said.

"I don't feel sad. I still have life left in me and look forward to serving Bermuda on another level.'' And veteran UBP MP Quinton Edness again played his cards close to his chest, saying there would be an announcement in the near future on his plans.

"The people of Warwick West need not fear, I am not going to let them down,'' he said.

"It has been a privilege to work for them, '' he said. "I want to express my appreciation for their support.'' The former Minister said he had been listening to what his constituents had been saying and would soon announce what the future would hold for their relationship.

In addition, Mr. Edness paid tribute to the other MPs who were standing down as the current session ended.

Stanley Morton (PLP) commented on the plight of those Bermudians living in poverty.

He said there were currently 3,000 families who depended upon social assistance.

It was important, he said, that they worked to find a solution to the issue and reduce the need of people having to depend on the state.

Shadow Tourism Minister David Allen called for the election to be held during the summer, when students would be available to vote.

He claimed in 30 years there had never been an election held at a time when students could vote.

"It is only fair to have an election when the students are here,'' he said.

The PLP's Renee Webb said she was pleased there was public debate in the House of Assembly because she feared some people might believe some of the things reported in The Royal Gazette .

She also slammed the Government for announcing interim measures on the future of long term residents.

She claimed the situation made the future more uncertain for the 3,000 or so, as there was a possibility the Government could bring legislation back to the House in another session.

And she added, there was no sympathy amongst the voters for long term residents, who many Bermudians believed were holding back other Bermudians from getting up the work ladder.

The PLP's Derrick Burgess commented on the plight of workers from Elbow Beach Hotel, who had been laid off whilst renovations were taking place. He said they had been told a year ago it would be open in May but now it had been delayed.

And he also slated The Royal Gazette , which he claimed needed to be more fair. And he said the paper refused to print letters from certain people.

The UBP's Michael Dunkley agreed that Bermuda must come first but asked how many positions had been opened up for Bermudians by the employment of a non-Bermudian.