Former Accountant General Anthony Richardson says people’s negative comments about him running in the Devonshire South Central by-election show that “Bermuda needs healing”.The Progressive Labour Party candidate has hit out at online comments about him, saying his critics are not setting a good example to future generations.Mr Richardson believes those who comment on websites are “a reflection of the times” as they are “acting out of frustration”.But Mr Richardson says the comments have not deterred him as he remains determined to “rewrite the history of Bermuda” by becoming a PLP MP in what is seen as an OBA stronghold.He describes himself as “the best candidate” as he has access to Government ministers and can “make things happen”.Mr Richardson will go head-to-head with OBA leader Craig Cannonier and Independent candidate David Sullivan in the November 1 by-election.The 47-year-old said he supported freedom of expression, but urged people to “be mindful” of their comments.He said: “Comments online are a reflection of the times. People have become very, very negative.“It shows that Bermuda needs healing.“People are saying things that have no basis in reality as people are acting out their frustrations.“They have to be careful as children are looking up to them and many are not setting good examples.”Mr Richardson did not name any websites, but said he took issue with an online comment asking if he had a criminal record. He said: “Why would someone even ask that question? What is their reference?”He blamed the comments on a handful of people, adding: “It’s very easy to hide behind an anonymous name.”Veteran politician John Barritt stepped down as MP of Devonshire South Central to allow Sen Cannonier to run. He needs to win in order to get a House of Assembly seat and secure his position as Opposition Leader.Mr Richardson, talking on the Sherri J show on Magic 102.7FM yesterday, said there was a “tremendous power struggle” between the PLP and OBA, which was resulting in “a sense of panic based on misinformation”.He urged people to vote on the facts rather than “the emotional stuff” adding that “a lot of information doing the rounds is disingenuous and untrue”.He also questioned “the philosophical grounding” of the OBA as it had formed through a merger of rival parties, the UBP and BDA.Mr Richardson said he was having “quite an interesting time” canvassing in Constituency 12 with most voters telling him they were “rooting for change”.He said he’d been given a “mostly positive reception” but admitted there had been “one or two who had not been very polite”.Mr Richardson believes the most important issues facing Devonshire South Central are the economy and immigration, and to a lesser extent education and violent crime.Mr Richardson said constituents were questioning how to keep their jobs and secure an economically sound future for their children. He said the problem was that “lots of people were talking to each other rather than with each other” in regards to the economy.The PLP candidate talked at length about the work permit policy and the “confusing issue” of immigration. He said “better checks and balances” needed to be in place to ensure Bermudians weren’t overlooked when applying for jobs.Mr Richardson said Bermudians in the international sector were “being denied opportunities to reach their full potential” by being told they were “not qualified or [they were] lazy”. He said jobs were “advertised to be given to certain people”, explaining that even if Bermudians weren’t fully qualified, they could be trained within a year.Mr Richardson, who was born and grew up in St George’s, attended East End Primary School, Warwick Academy and Bermuda College. He worked as a police officer before achieving a business degree and qualifying as a chartered accountant.He has also served on the Bermuda Football Association and as chairman of the Bermuda Hospitals Board.“I’ve always been part of the community; we need to always make sure we give back,” he said.He spoke out a couple of days after Mr Sullivan, a former UBP deputy chairman, went on the same radio show to express his anger at both parties “parachuting in” candidates with no connections to the constituency.At a press conference yesterday, Sen Cannonier said he was unfazed by the competition, saying: “I’m here to win”.He said: “We live in a democracy and I would encourage anyone who feels they have something to offer the Country to get involved.“I am getting out there in Constituency 12 to win the trust of the people.”