caucus members to either quit grandstanding or risk the collapse of the Government.

"With the Opposition voting as a block, dedicated as one might expect of the Opposition to the downfall of the Government, I do not believe I am letting any cats out of the bag when I say the Opposition need only be joined by two other members'' to bring about a collapse, Mr. Barritt told Hamilton Rotarians at the Princess Hotel this week.

"What we must guard against, and be able to discern inside and outside of Government, are those who would use this scenario to promote their own personal agendas or advance the selfish goals of special interest groups at the expense of the community as a whole.'' While Mr. Barritt did not mention anyone by name, some UBP backbenchers have caused waves of late by voicing public dissent on a variety of issues and by openly calling for the resignation of Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan.

Earlier this year a rift developed in the party after backbenchers the Hon.

Ann Cartwright DeCouto and Mr. Trevor Moniz called for a review of the UBP's leadership.

"The government of this country, the business of actually running the business of government and tackling the issues which we face as we make our way in this increasingly competitive world, demand and require the strength of the team,'' warned Mr. Barritt, who likened the UBP to a "minority'' Government.

"Striking a balance between these competing and conflicting goals is the charge which the people have entrusted to this Government.'' As Government whip, Mr. Barritt is responsible for providing a channel of communication between the administration's leaders and "the rank and file of the parliamentary armies.'' Mr. Barritt said teamwork was particularly important at a time when Government faced such important issues in the next parliamentary session as racism, independence and the controversy over proposed pay increases for MPs.

"If Dr. Saul's recent public pronouncements are anything to go by I expect that (the proposed 28-percent salary increase) will remain under advisement for some time to come,'' Mr. Barritt predicted.

But, he added, "let me also say in my first year I have quickly learned the cost of being a part-time politician. I spend as much as 50 percent of my work week on matters political and that cuts deeply into my practice.'' On racism, Mr. Barritt said: "It was less than a lifetime ago that Bermuda was officially desegregated. Let us not kid ourselves: that has had its effect.'' Nonetheless, he said, racism should not be used "for purposes of grandstanding, of making political hay.'' Mr. Barritt acknowledged "genuine heartfelt disagreement'' when it comes to possible independence.

"I am in neither camp,'' he told listeners, "but I do recognise and accept the wisdom of evaluating our options. It is sound practice.'' Mr. Barritt said he supported a study of the pros and cons of the issue and a referendum to decide the matter.

Mr. John Barritt MP