Progressive Labour Party member John Gibbons praised his party for its democratic nature as he prepares to battle in a St George’s West primary for the second time in less than a year.Mr Gibbons was rolled out as the PLP’s general election candidate for Constituency Two in September last year, after defeating former United Bermuda Party member Jamahl Simmons in a branch vote.However, he must now do it all again after the PLP hierarchy announced it has no adopted candidates in place in any branches across the Country.Constituency boundaries have shifted since Mr Gibbons and Leroy Bean were named as candidates in St George’s West and St George’s South respectively ten months ago, with senior members keen for the field to be selected again from scratch.Some members argue Mr Gibbons and Mr Bean were elected according to the PLP’s constitution and should be allowed to keep their positions.But Mr Gibbons told The Royal Gazette: “As far as I know this whole process is a normal part of the PLP constitutional operation.“Each constituent has a right to choose who they wish to represent them and that’s a testament to the democratic nature of the PLP.“This system allows people of all ages to participate in the process to either put their name forward or choose who they want to represent them. It’s completely normal and a credit to the PLP.“The One Bermuda Alliance is at this very moment trying to put into place a system that imitates the PLP system, which is why the PLP has increasing numbers of young people.“At this time, it’s important that the people of St George’s West have an opportunity to pick who they want as their candidate in the next election.“My main concern is that people know that when you join the PLP, regardless of who you are, you have as much of a say as every other member. That’s what makes me a dedicated and loyal fighter for the PLP.“The fact that I did win the primary last year should prove that young people have a chance in politics. It’s time for a new generation to nourish a proud hope in ourselves.Mr Gibbons said current MP Kim Swan’s influence in the constituency has been limited since the United Bermuda Party disbanded.He said if elected his own plan remains to expand the municipal boundaries of St George’s town to include Southside dock area and ensure its development makes good economic sense; to be a strong advocate for energy independence for the Island; and to use St George’s Harbour in the most efficient way to benefit Bermuda.Mr Gibbons also criticised the Opposition for its repeated attacks on the PLP’s handling of the economic crisis.“Despite all things that people say of the PLP, one thing is an absolute truth, the Opposition will never tell you Bermuda has weathered the economic storm better than any industrial nation in the western world,” he said.“Greece, Portugal, Spain and Ireland have become economic colonies to Germany now. It’s a credit to the PLP and our Premier that she’s been able to bring this Country through the greatest economic catastrophe this world has seen since the 1930s in as good a shape as we have. That’s according to IMF rating agencies and numerous other governments.“It concerns me greatly that it seems that the Opposition will try to say that Bermuda is on the brink of destruction, and panic this nation in selfish pursuit of regaining power.“The OBA have taken to imitate the Tea Party attitude in the United States in claiming that everything Government does is bad.“Bermudians need politicians who are going to build Bermuda up, not tear it down for the sake of gaining power and political privilege.”