It's no secret that politicians poll frequently. A common disease that has spread through the 90s and into today is the poll driven politician - poll first, formulate policy second.
I was surprised to hear Premier Scott directly quoting poll numbers in his PLP banquet speech. Politicians have always tried to stay above quoting polls. There was something particularly crass about the Premier quoting poll numbers in his speech.
It has been suggested to me that Alex Scott was sending a message to any rebel factions in the PLP and Dr. Brown in particular. Premier Scott has, by his own admission, thoroughly enjoyed his time in office and was letting it be known that any move to replace him would be unpopular with the public.
At the same time this overt quoting of polling exemplifies what we can expect from the Scott government - style over substance. Alex Scott's background is in PR, he's always been known for spin and the first 100 days of his term don't feel too different. Remember the ridiculous but straight faced Berkeley construction project press statements by then Works & Engineering Minister Alex Scott?
The new "New Bermuda" seems to be the same as the old "New Bermuda" but with a softer tone. The overriding theme since Jennifer Smith was dumped has been a better relationship with the press. This is to be welcomed. However a little more introspection in the PLP leadership should reveal that this wasn't the sole cause of discontent. Corruption, scandals, arrogance and reactionary governing was as much a component of the rebellion at the polls on July 24th.
Unfortunately that kind of thinking was highlighted in the empty but warm and fuzzy 2003 Throne Speech. Lots of buzz words about openness but very little in ideas and absolutely no vision.
New PLP spokesperson Scott Simmons has reiterated this theme in an interview in today's RG.
Posted by Christian S. Dunleavy