Politicians on both sides of the aisle paid tribute to Michael Dunkley after the veteran MP’s retirement announcement yesterday.

Opposition leader Jarion Richardson led the tributes to his party colleague, describing the former premier as a man who had worked tirelessly throughout his political career to “make Bermuda a better place”.

Mr Richardson said that when he first entered politics in 2017, he was grateful for Mr Dunkley’s wisdom and experience.

He said: “He is someone I could always call and who always boiled things down to basics.

“He has coached, educated, clarified, assisted and been nothing but a help to members of the OBA as we have gone from strength to strength.”

Mr Richardson, who has served in the Bermuda Police Service and the Royal Bermuda Regiment, said he had previously believed that a love of one’s country could only come from wearing a uniform.

“Michael Dunkley is someone who changed my mind,” he said.

“He is someone who embodies the principles of service and love of country, and someone who has stood firm and fast in the interests of Bermuda.

“His name will be etched in Bermuda history, and I am thankful to have known him in his time of politics.”

Government backbencher Christopher Famous said that Mr Dunkley had always been an excellent constituency MP.

He added: “Michael Dunkley has, from the time that he has been in Parliament, represented UBP and OBA — but most importantly he has set the standard of how to canvas the seat.

“There are people who wouldn’t vote OBA but voted for Michael Dunkley, and that’s a testament to the fact that he remained connected to the people. You can’t disagree with his ethics when it comes to canvassing.”

Derrick Burgess, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, gave an affectionate tribute to his old sparring partner.

Mr Burgess said: “It’s going to create a void in this House because we don’t have many good debaters on the House. Our politics are a little different, but we both remain civil to each other.

“He was probably the best leader that the OBA has had. He was politically astute, and it’s going to be difficult for the OBA to replace a guy as politically astute as Michael Dunkley.

“I’ve enjoyed our encounters and looked forward to him being here on Fridays — it was always fun.

“You’re going to be a miss to the party and a miss to politics. I will miss you, and I respect you.

“Dunkley, good retirement, mate.”

Another government backbencher became emotional when paying his respects.

Zane DeSilva said that Mr Dunkley’s retirement announcement “threw me for a loop“.

“He enjoys this House and the banter and debate and the hooks that we have, and I certainly do the same,” he said.

“I am going to wish Michael Dunkley well in his retirement. Michael, I think deep down in his heart, really does care for this country. If you don’t have this country at heart, you shouldn’t be here.”

Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier, said Mr Dunkley had followed through on his beliefs of good service to his constituents over the years “and they clearly have returned him to his seat understanding that”.

Wayne Caines, PLP backbencher, saluted his “yeoman service to the country”, noting how he had enjoyed serving with Mr Dunkley in the Senate some 16 years ago.

He added: “It was a good time.”

Many MPs applauded Mr Dunkley’s civility in the adversarial world of Parliament.

Lovitta Foggo, of the PLP, said: “One thing my colleagues can tell you is, I’ve always said in doing his duty, he has served his team well.”

Government MP Renée Ming noted that Mr Dunkley had been “nothing but respectful”.

She said: “All the best. We will see you around.”

Kim Swan, of the PLP, said he used to challenge his United Bermuda Party colleagues for “what I called a safe-seat mentality”.

He commended Mr Dunkley for rising to the challenge, even at the cost of his seat, in his first run for Smith’s North.

Dennis Lister III, of the PLP, told legislators he knew, as the child of politicians, the need to put family first when he decided to call time.

Government MP Anthony Richardson said he smiled in passing Dunkley’s Dairy to see trucks from Mr DeSilva parked outside.

He told the House: “There’s a business relationship, irrespective of political discourse.”

Mr Dunkley’s colleague Craig Cannonier said he was deserving of a place in a hall of fame.

“We appreciate you tremendously beyond what you may gather from these statements here.”

David Burt closed tributes, telling MPs that Mr Dunkley “has not just been an honourable member in this House — he has also served as the premier of this country”.

“There are not many people that can speak to the amount of stress and toil the role takes on your life.”

Mr Burt said portraits of premiers did not appear on the walls upstairs in the Cabinet building until political retirement.

He added: “Honourable member, please pick your portrait person.

“I look forward to honouring you.”