group looking into Independence.

The National Liberal Party made the claim, adding in its experience Lord Waddington was not impartial.

This did not bode well for the Commission of Inquiry into Independence, the party declared.

In a written statement, the party accused the Governor of failing to uphold the Bermuda Constitution.

Under the Constitution, Government had to produce a yearly audit on its books, it stated.

But Lord Waddington had done nothing to ensure this would happen.

"If he can't be objective on such a simple matter, what hope do we have for an impartial commission?'' The NLP said the Commission -- aimed at looking into the pros and cons of Independence and educating the public -- was an "erroneous idea''.

It was a complete waste of time and money -- because "appearance before it is dictatorial rather than voluntary''.

"The NLP was the only party that had a clear stance on the Independence issue at the last election.

"Our position was that after a period of education and fact finding, the people of the country would decide this important matter through a binding referendum.

"The UBP leadership did not consult its branches or grass roots membership, but simply raised the Independence issue out of the blue.'' The NLP added the United Bermuda Party already had information on Independence gained from previous studies.

These old white and green papers on Independence needed to be updated.

Premier the Hon. Sir John came under fire for "dreamily'' talking of taking an audit on Independence.

"He is simply confused. The country, after seven years of the constitutionally required Government audited figures needs an audit on the books, not Independence,'' the NLP stated.