The election campaign fought by the major political parties is, in our view, and in the view of many others, the most negative, misleading and uninspiring ever experienced in Bermuda. Many voters are probably going to the polls misinformed, uninformed, or totally confused. Unfortunately, many voters have stated that they have already decided not to vote.

The NLP has stayed above the fray. Early in the campaign we stated that we were not involved in the power game and that our only hope for getting any NLP candidates elected was by dealing with the issues. This we have done. We have focused on the issues, primarily, the social challenges. We have proclaimed our desire to be the social conscience in parliament for whichever Party becomes the government.

After all the hype of the election campaign and the results of the election are known, where do we go from there? Our concern is about how we, as a community, deal with the euphoria or deep disappointment. If we are to maintain peace and harmony, those of us who tend to be expressive with our emotions must be considerate of our fellow Bermudians. We must vow not to gloat if we are supporters of the winners. Likewise, if we are supporters of the losers, then it is imperative that we contain our anger or frustrations.

Uppermost in our minds must be the indisputable fact that we must live and work together if we are to survive and prosper.

Like many conservative governments, the UBP appears to have a good grasp on economic issues. Sadly, our view of the UBP government's record on social issues is not a good one. There appears to be a lack of understanding of or genuine caring about the magnitude and complexity of the challenges. We view their social programme as being weak and piecemeal at best. It is a sad commentary to note that, after 30 years in power, the UBP is still in the `promise' phase when it comes to the housing crisis, a halfway house and getting a real handle on the illicit drug trade.

Whether it is the PLP or the UBP that forms the next government, they can rest assured that an NLP presence in the next House would be a guarantee that social issues will be kept on the front burner. It must be understood that, a failure to adequately deal with the social challenges in Bermuda could ultimately bring the Country to its knees. If those of our fellow Bermudians, who are at the lowest end of the social and economic ladder, feel that there is widening gap between those that have and those that have not, then we have a breeding ground for social unrest.

The new day will bring new opportunities and challenges. There will be a role for all of us to play whether it is up front or behind the scenes. Those of us who are not successful as candidates will still have a part to play in our community whether or not we choose to remain within the political realm. There are many worthwhile organisations and activities with which we can make a contribution. If we are already involved, we may decide to play a bigger part.

It is said that people got the government they deserve. For some of us, that is difficult to accept. Nevertheless we must move on. The new day must find us rededicating ourselves to doing our part to ensure that the Bermuda our children, their children, and future generations inherit is the very best it can be.