Support is quickly mounting for the One Bermuda Alliance with more than 250 members signing up to its Facebook page.In little over 24 hours since the party was launched, the OBA had notched up scores of members with plenty of praise for the “new beginning in politics.”The new party had its first caucus meeting last night and its first meeting for those interested in becoming members is to be held within the next two weeks.Environmental activist Stuart Hayward has even publicly endorsed the party saying: “You have made me feel proud to be Bermudian again. I have not been drawn to political parties in the past but I sense the dawning of a new era in party politics. You have my support.”But the new party has predictably failed to impress PLP members who say they refuse to be distracted “by the reunion of the Opposition parties.”Those on the social networking site seem to be “very excited” and “energised” about the UBP and BDA members forming the new party, saying there was now “new hope” and their “prayers had been answered.”Others are describing it as “a new start” and are urging the OBA to “get the ball rolling” as “Bermuda needs you now.”People have listed their priorities for the OBA as educational reform, tourism revitalisation and “raising the level of politics beyond the petty, childish mudslinging and bickering we’ve seen.”Mr Hayward, who is chairman of BEST, wrote on the OBA’s Facebook page: “Congratulations OBA. There are moments in the history of a people when something meaningful happens and society is transformed. I am convinced this long moment of the launching of the OBA is one of those.“Although it has been painful watching the tortuous birth of the OBA (perhaps not as painful for us watching as for those going through it) I am impressed by the constructive path you took.“Rather than pointing fingers and laying blame you found a way over or around the obstacles placed in your path. I respect that.“I believe you have a great leader in John Barritt. And while I know some of the leadership group mostly by name and reputation, I have great respect for Kathy Michelmore and Toni Daniels who I have worked with and know personally.”But PLP public relations officer Curtis Williams told The Royal Gazette: “The Progressive Labour Party realises that there are many challenges facing our community.“Our Party Leader and Premier, the Hon. Paula Cox, JP, MP has reiterated that her predominant concerns are the economy and crime, and under her stewardship we will not be distracted.“Our members are working diligently and attentively to ensure that the concerns of all Bermudians are being addressed, and will not be sidetracked by the reunion of the Opposition parties.”The OBA’s Facebook page was set up two weeks ago but it was hidden from view as its privacy setting was set to ‘secret.’Its members include leader John Barritt, deputy leader Craig Cannonier and new party members Michael Dunkley, Donte Hunt, Bob Richards, Kathy Michelmore, Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, Wayne Scott, Shawn Crockwell, Toni Daniels, Michael Branco and Suzann Roberts-Holshouser.There is also a strong presence from many familiar names such as construction boss Alex DeCouto, tourism activist Tony Brannon, musician ‘Shine’ Hayward, artist Alexandra Mosher, photographer Alex Masters and Bermuda Magic chairman O’Brian Roberts.And you are out of luck if you are trying to access the BDA website, because you are now automatically transferred to the OBA website, whether you want to go there or not.Governor Sir Richard Gozney has officially appointed Michael Dunkley, Craig Cannonier and Kathy Michelmore as the OBA’s new Senators. He has written to the Senate leader to ask for the three Senators to be sworn in when the Senate resumes next week.For more information on the OBA visit ww.oba.bm