Here we go again. The political word game bursting with heavenly promises of change, in just about everything imaginable.

Also, once again the public will be inundated with a tidal wave of sound bites and lofty political projections by those wishing to fill the seat of Government leadership being vacated by Ewart Brown in October.

Even before the political pot starts to boil, in the quest for a new Government leader, a wide range of questions are rising to the surface over whether a change of leadership will mean a change in strategy and policies.

Hopefully questions from the public in this area will not be viewed as an attempt to attack any candidate personally. Too often a genuine question which may be targeting performance by a political figure, is twisted into negative motives which is not always the case.

Anyone in the political arena should expect probing questions at times on highly sensitive matters unless they are operating in a dictatorial setting where no one is permitted to question a leader. We know that is not the situation here in Bermuda.

There is no question that all three Progressive Labour Party candidates vying for the hot seat are truly fine people. While the wave of support at the moment seems to favour Deputy Premier Paula Cox, Terry Lister and Dale Butler should not be written off as being incapable of handling the wheel.

All three candidates will be under the hammer with questions, especially when it comes to the country's debt problems, gang warfare, illegal drugs, anti-social behaviour, education, tourism and proper health care for seniors.

No one expects any new leader to wave a magic wand and have these problems vanish. However there is grave concern that rather than have the best Bermuda has to offer, in tackling these problems there is a tendency to see solutions as coming only from one political group or the other.

It is that attitude that keeps a divisive atmosphere hanging over us like a cloud of mistrust, with political conflict almost at every turn. Surely we can do better than that.

Another question I encounter often is whether the Progressive Labour Party itself is placed above serving the people by some members overly obsessed with party allegiance. Serving a political party with conviction is always admired, as long as it is not done as a priority over serving the people.

Another question candidates could possibly face is why they are so willing to stand on rooftops now calling for dramatic change in how Government conducts its business an indication they were far from happy over the previous administration's style. That too is OK, but it raises further questions about credibility and confidence when trying to move forward.

Let me stress again that I have known all three candidates for many years, and I have no hesitation in saying they are good people who truly care about Bermuda. The big question is, are they prepared to turn the page on a divisive and troubling climate even if it involves embracing initiatives proposed by people outside of the Government circle.

A gentleman said to me recently that he never envisaged Bermuda sinking this low with so much violent crime and ruthless behaviour and people everywhere feeling uncomfortable about what will happen next.

It is a sad time for Bermuda and only a combined effort from every section of our community can possibly stop this rut.

Anyone stepping up to the plate to lead the Country into a new age of peace and prosperity in these circumstances, will need the full backing of the populace, great communication along with a clear understanding of the deeply-rooted social problems that continue to poison our very way of life.

Most Bermudians want a change, and if all three political parties joined ranks to bring this about the Country would be the real winner. Most people want their communities back and their lives back but they also know this will not happen overnight.

There is much work to be done, and little time to engage in political anger spouts that detract from the serious business at hand.

Whoever the new Premier is after October, that person will need support in trying to re direct the Country. Serving the people with honesty and dignity should be their highest priority. That is the hope of most Bermudians.