Vexed Bermoothes

The House of Assembly reconvenes today.  Not that you’d know as, per usual, there is no agenda for the general public.

I understand that gambling was to be discussed again, but given the high degree of dissent amongst Parliamentarians, that’s unlikely to be put a vote.  So, they’ll spend the time with self-gratifying waffle and the usual bitchiness.

However, the coming months in the House may have more tension than the normal “rubber stamp” block voting.

You see, the House has 22 PLP MPS, 13 UBP, and 1 Independent.

If a motion of “no confidence” somehow made it to the floor, it is entirely possible that it would pass.  The PLP may be able to suppress its unsatisfied backbenchers within its internal Caucus and Central Committee meetings, but will they be able to do so on the floor of the House?

Now, it’s certain that every quirk in the rule book will be used to disallow such a vote coming to the floor … but margins will be tight if just a few MPs vote on conscience, don’t show up (last year, PLP MPs showed up at least once in a daily meeting 90% of the time, and UBP MPs 92% of the time), or just go to the bathroom.

This may also be an opportune time to push for the legislation that is long promised and never delivered such  public access to information, anti-corruption laws, integrity in public life/code of conduct, open committees, etc.

Bermuda needs reform.  In my view, the Premier’s paranoia may now be justified … as a direct consequence of his own actions.