Bermuda’s main political parties stayed on message in reacting to the latest survey which showed continuing widespread concern about the economy and crime.But seniors advocate Claudette Fleming says the challenge in the face of a looming election is to “rise above the political noise” if concerns of her client base are to be addressed.And Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva noted that an increase in community concern about crime is not surprising since the survey was conducted following a shooting at the Mid Atlantic Boat Club.The ruling Progressive Labour Party said that it had taken measures to address the economy and public safety.“We don’t need a poll to tell us that Bermudians are concerned with the economy and public safety,” reads the PLP statement issued yesterday.“We’ve been focused squarely on both issues. In regards to the economy, we believe that it is best to invest in Bermudians during difficult times for the global economy.“This means protecting jobs and creating them through investments in building affordable housing, improving our healthcare and improving our schools. It also means maintaining a strong social safety net.“We’ve strengthened that social safety net by implementing the landmark FutureCare and DayCare programmes which help seniors after a lifetime of hard work and working families who need the assistance.”The statement added that the party was encouraged that “overall crime hit a five-year low in the last quarter, but, more work still needs to be done.“That’s why we’re working with the police to bring an end to gun violence. It’s why we passed tough new anti gang laws that strengthen penalties for gang offenders.“And, it’s why we passed tough laws that allow police greater powers with which to investigate criminals and bring them to justice.“We have more work to do, but, it’s clear that in these tough times for the global economy, we need leadership that stands strong for Bermudians.”“The survey was held immediately following the shooting at the Mid-Atlantic Boat Club in September, and the potential tragedy at Woody’s Bar in August,” said Mr DeSilva.“It should not be surprising that crime was on everyone’s minds at the time: or at least enough to make a seven percent increase on the survey. And with the tragic murder last night, it is likely to remain on our minds.”But Mr DeSilva added that he hoped that increased public awareness would translate into more “community actions that make a difference”.“By keeping the issues on the front burner we are more likely to strengthen our communities against gangs and violence, promote safety and identify witnesses and evidence that lead to convictions,” he said.“We also understand how the fear of crime alone can impact on communities. We address these fears through engagement by our Community Action Teams to help build strong neighbourhoods as part of our overall mission of Making Bermuda Safer.“At the same time, we should be careful that we don’t allow a single incident to define the whole crime picture.“The reality is that Bermuda continues to make progress against gangs, and gun crime has been reduced over the last two years.“Twenty-nine convictions have been recorded since 2010 and unprecedented sentences have been meted out.”He noted that most of the violent crimes in the last three years had been gang related.“That makes the case for more work to be done to deter and prevent gang involvement in the first place.“Without that effort, there will always be the danger of new offenders taking the places that have been removed through law enforcement efforts and the criminal justice system.“Hopefully, by increasing the awareness of the problem we will also increase the collective community resolve against it.”Meanwhile, One Bermuda Alliance Chairman Thad Hollis said the survey results vindicated his party’s position on the economy.Mr Hollis said: “What the polls show is what we in the One Bermuda Alliance have been stating for over a year — Bermudians are concerned about losing their jobs or, having lost a job, how to get another one!“Bermudians are facing foreclosures on an unprecedented scale, the cost of fuel and food continues to rise and jobs are becoming harder to find and as we have seen only last week, more companies are laying off staff.”The OBA Chairman added that government’s role is not to create jobs by hiring more people but by encouraging private capital investment on the Island.A weak tourism industry and construction sector plus “softness in international business” had resulted in the level of unemployment, he continued.“OBA redevelopment plans for all of Hamilton and St. George’s will address this issue,” Mr Hollis added.Claudette Fleming, Executive Director of seniors advocacy organisation Age Concern, said: “Clearly, when it comes to issues like how to deal with the current economy, hope alone is not an effective strategy to tame the concerns of the senior voter.“When faced with forced retirement at age 65 and a greater chance of income reduction once retired, it’s no surprise that seniors are worried about the economy.“The real issue to focus on however is what can be done to appease or eliminate these concerns?“How does one arise above the political noise that is generated from an impending election to actually see a reasonable amount of light at the end of the tunnel?”Ms Fleming added: “The bad news is that there is no knight in shining amour that will save the day, whether the knight be political or otherwise.“There is however the opportunity for creativity in the face of adversity and the strength in numbers in the collective voice and presence of older adults to effectively generate meaningful change.“Most seniors are no strangers to hard times, but in order for them to succeed there must be an equal playing field of opportunity and support that makes their economic success and sustainability possible.“The jury is obviously still out on whether that fair playing field actually exists for them.”