re-election by portraying him as a solid supporter of United Bermuda Party legislation.

In a letter to Fairylands residents, the Committee to Re-elect Stuart Hayward says he has supported 85 percent of UBP-introduced legislation.

"In his role as an Independent parliamentarian over the last three years, far from being an opponent of the government, Stuart supported 85 percent of the legislation introduced by the United Bermuda Party,'' fundraiser Mrs. Sheelagh Cooper said.

Last night, Mr. Hayward said the statement was included in the letter to counter political talk to portray him as as Progressive Labour Party member.

"The point I'm trying to make is that I don't necessarily support all that Government puts forward, but don't necessarily automatically oppose it either.

"It's just an indication that Stuart Hayward is not your stereotyped opposition member. You can characterise me as a person who votes with his conscience.

"What happens with a UBP MP is that that a member has no opportunity to vote against anything brought by the Government before the House.'' Environment Minister the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto, who will run against Mr.

Hayward in Pembroke West Central, said she was angry with the portrayal because it was essentially misleading.

"Eighty five percent of the House of Assembly supports legislation introduced by Government,'' she said. "If the record was checked, I think you would find the majority of matters are decided on a consensual basis. But on every controversial major issue, Stuart Hayward has voted against us.'' UBP executive Mr. Joe Gibbons said: "We certainly don't see Stuart Hayward as a UBP supporter. He may vote with the Government in the House but so much of it is required legislation that simply has to do with the running of the Government.

"If his support is that high what is the point of him running as an Independent. If he's pushing himself as a UBP clone, I suggest he come down to the central party office and have a chat with us.'' The campaign letter also portrays Mr. Hayward as an effective environmentalist who has played a "necessary watchdog role'' by monitoring the preservation and development of open spaces. Election talk sets Hayward campaign in motion -- see Page 3.