Sen. Terry Lister's aborted leadership challenge has resulted in a change of direction for his party.

The question was raised by Mr. Wade's own comments on November 1, after Sen.

Lister withdrew his leadership bid.

Mr. Wade told the Progressive Labour Party conference that he and Sen. Lister had discussed "the way forward''.

He felt that "out of the differences of opinion and sometimes diametrically opposed views, we can and will weld a strong and formidable unit that will in the next General Election show that the party is capable of forming Bermuda's next Government''.

Sen. Lister's views on economic issues are considered to be closer to those in the United Bermuda Party than the traditional views of labour. Asked if his comments meant there had been an accommodation made with Sen. Lister, Mr. Wade would not comment.

"That's all finished,'' he said. "That's behind the PLP. I have nothing to say about that any more.'' As for broadening the party's appeal, he said: "I think the PLP has a very broad appeal now. The PLP has to just continue to improve its organisation -- that's my view. It's a question of getting the vote out.''