A new name, recruiting new candidates and reaching out to the young are all being considered by the United Bermuda Party in it's efforts to change it's image.

According to MP Michael Dunkley, the entire party is behind efforts to find a new image, and hopefully a road back to power, for the UBP.

"It's definitely something the entire party is aware of and behind,'' he said.

"It's no surprise really after the loss suffered in the last election and there's been quite a change of guard in the UBP, so it's important that we try to identify better ways forward for the party in the next election.

Possible new names for the party are still a matter of speculation but as far as Mr. Dunkley is concerned, that's superficial next to the importance of the UBP message and the party's ability to spread that message.

"(The name change) is something that's being debated,'' he said. "But no matter what happens with that, it will be the effective changes that the party makes that will affect how the public view the party.

"What's much more important is the group of people that represent the party, and the message, that is really the proof of the pudding.'' To that effect, he said that party are actively recruiting potential new candidates for the next run at the polls.

"We've been trying to identify potential candidates and there is a list of people who are being discussed and interviewed,'' he said.

And within Bermuda's politically sophisticated electorate, Mr. Dunkley said that young Bermudians are a group that it is vital the UBP reach out to.

"In recent years, the younger crowd, particularly the 18 to 30 age group, has become more involved in the business of politics.

"That group was a huge portion of the 84 percent turnout in the last election,'' he said. "So, obviously there is a need for both parties to reach out to that group.' If the party fails to generate energy and interest, they risk another failure at the polls. "We have to look at how we can rejuvenate the UBP -- to reach out and work toward being in government again.

"Obviously there been a big change in our fortunes and if the party doesn't look for new ways to reach out and get our message across to the general public, the party can expect to falter.'' Michael Dunkley