Premier Jennifer Smith has defended her leadership in the wake of the September 11 crisis.

In a wide ranging interview with The Royal Gazette, Ms Smith said her Government will do whatever is necessary to bring Bermuda safely through these uncertain times.

The Premier also defended herself, her Ministers and her Government in the wake of September 11 and pother criticism.

She said that her mind was focused on the well being of Bermudians - first and foremost - noting that she and her Cabinet members worked tirelessly to ensure that all was being done to keep them informed and at ease.

" We called an EMO meeting and we were faced with several immediate circumstances that required attention," she said. "All air space into the US and Canada was closed - and the fact that all planes were being told to land, Bermuda was receiving a number of flights and these people would need to be housed. We did not know for how long those planes would be in Bermuda and because all flights out of Bermuda had been stopped."

She continued: "This was a very uncertain time, people couldn't leave Bermuda and Bermudians couldn't come home. We were doing some strategic, behind the scenes, urgent planning to ensure the safety and security of Bermuda and Bermudians."

Of the criticism she has endured in the days post September 11, she pointed out that her capacity as a leader made it necessary for her to be sure of the facts before she could address the country.

And of the various trips that were taken 11 days after the tragedy, she said it was important for her to assess the possible outcomes of the event, to ensure that the Island would be protected.

"I didn't go off on a jaunt," she said. "I was committed to go to the Overseas Territory Consultative Council meeting, which is held annually - and the meeting was made even more urgent by the September 11 events. Every single one of the territories, had concerns about the impact - that was on the agenda. Why, because we don't yet know the full impact, economically or not, of this event. And we may have to act in consulate or seek some other help through the UK depending on what may transpire.

"I deemed it wise for me to go along with my plans and for my Deputy - Eugene Cox - a very able, capable and experienced politician who did an admirable job in my absence and the remainder of my team to carry on."

Since those events, the Premier has enjoyed a favourable approval rating - the results of a recent poll conducted, showed that she had a 20 percent increase in popularity.

And she believed, despite the criticism by certain members of the community she is still in tune with the people of Bermuda and said she still has an unwavering commitment to the people of Bermuda.

"Depending on what has happened - will there be highs and lows - of course there will be," the Premier said. "But just as I could not get depressed about the previous quarter when it said that my popularity was low, neither can I get overly excited at this swing in the other direction. I think what is far more realistic is to look at it over time. But I think that we have a very vibrant, involved public. They are following events and affairs quite avidly. They have an opinion on every issue that exists, they are not afraid to state that opinion and are not afraid to state that opinion to any of us - I think that is to be applauded."