Tributes to maverick MP Harry Viera poured in from across the political spectrum last night.

Mr. Viera died on Wednesday evening at the age of 73 following a long illness. Although he spent his final years in the US, his heart belonged to Bermuda where he dedicated most of his life to public service as an MP.

Mr. Viera was renowned as a fiercesome opponent and a colourful character who adopted a lively turn of phrase to describe the cut and thrust of Island politics.

And he once famously switched off the lights in the House of Assembly while Parliament was still in session after he had become bored with the proceedings. On that occasion, in the early 1990s, he left the chamber and, on the way out of the building tampered with the main switch box, plunging the House of Assembly – and all his colleagues – into darkness.

Mr Viera was later found out and disciplined. He himself attracted an array of nicknames, everything from 'The Portuguese Man-O-War' and 'Dirty Harry' to 'The Godfather'.

Former United Bermuda Party colleague and close friend Jim Woolridge last night described how he coined the 'mafia' nickname one day at the House of Assembly.

"Harry came into Parliament one afternoon dressed in a white suit and shoes, black shirt and white tie," said Mr. Woolridge. "As he walked across the floor the debate stopped and everyone just roared with laughter. I said 'It's nice you could join us, Godfather'."

Former Tourism Minister Mr. Woolridge said: "Harry was a very sporting gentleman. He enjoyed his politics and was a dedicated member of the UBP.

"It was on the backs of people like Harry Viera that Sir Henry Tucker and Sir Edward Richards were able to build up the Party. Under people like Harry we became a strong political force.

"During this era 1968-1998, Bermuda also underwent its most formidable years and progress. During this time we went through profound political, social and cultural change and built up for ourselves one of the highest standards of living in the world."

Mr. Woolridge said: "Harry was very outspoken and was always concerned with what was right and proper for the Island. As a result of that he got a reputation of being a bit of a maverick.

"He was certainly an interesting fellow. You could always depend on him. On behalf of my colleagues both in the present and those who have gone on, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to his family."

Mr. Viera leaves his wife Pat, daughters Kristina and Andrea, and two grandchildren.

He was born on May 6, 1935, in Paget, to parents Joseph and Angie Viera. He attended Port Royal School and Warwick Academy. In 1963, Mr. Viera married his first wife Irmgard Kessinich of West Germany.

Then in 1968, he was elected MP for Southampton West. His political career would encompass the boards of Education, Tourism, Public Works, and he also served on the Public Accounts Committee. He had a short stint as a Cabinet Minister but is renowned mostly as a fearsome backbencher.

His creativity in politics also shone in other areas he was a talented writer, painter and musician. And in his fifties, his fearsome personality ventured itself into skydiving and abseiling.

Mr. Viera stepped down as an MP in 1993. Over the years he gained a reputation for conservatism, particularly in law and order, but was also a champion of human rights, pushing his Party in the Seventies for faster racial desegration in Bermuda.

Although Mr. Viera spent the final years of his life in North Carolina, he remained passionate about the Island.

Former Premier, PLP MP Alex Scott said: "Harry still had a deep abiding affection for Bermuda. In recent years we would have telephone conversations where we shared our thoughts and ideas about the Island.

"Harry was someone whom the late Frederick Wade was fond of. They used to go at it on the floor of Parliament but away from it, they could have a laugh at life and a chuckle. Harry was someone whom several of us had a soft spot for, and I'm very sad to hear of his passing.

"The last time we spoke he said he was going through a tough patch, from a health point of view. But Harry was a wheel of steel and accepted any challenges he faced. He was always ready to face what life handed him, and for that you had to respect him.

"He was rumbumptious and many expressions have been attributed to him, such as him saying that trying to get the PLP to be responsible was 'like nailing jello to the wall'. He used to give us a rough ride. He was quite the political opponent, but was also a lovable rogue.

"I know his colleagues and friends in the UBP will miss him. I too will miss him and those telephone calls which appeared out of the blue."

Acting Premier Paula Cox last night gave this statement on behalf of the Office of Premier.

Ms Cox said: "I was saddened to learn that Bermuda has lost one of its leaders of yesterday. Harry Viera was a former Government Minister and a Member of Parliament who was one of the most colourful characters on the Bermuda political scene. He will be remembered for his skills as a debater and for his loyal service to the country.

"On behalf of the people and Government of Bermuda I offer my condolences to Mr. Viera's family, friends, and his former colleagues at the United Bermuda Party."

UBP Leader Kim Swan said: "Harry Viera was a great Bermudian and I was proud to know him.

"Mr. Viera was a fighter from his earliest days often regaling listeners with stories of his boxing prowess. He channeled that fighting spirit to become one of the finest orators in the modern history of our Parliament.

"Harry, as we all knew him, was backbone UBP and a pioneer for the Portuguese community, winning a seat in the House of Assembly in 1968.

"He served a short stint as a Government Minister and on various Government boards but was best known as an outspoken critic on any given issue, with no compunction about crossing swords with Opposition MPs or his own colleagues. He possessed an outstanding political mind, inner strength and style.

"Mr. Viera was a great character whose life enriched this country and I am saddened by his passing. On behalf of my colleagues in the United Bermuda Party, I extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Viera's family.

"May he rest in peace."