that the Opposition Progressive Labour Party needs such things as a photo copier, a laser printer, and a fax machine before it can fight an election campaign. That became clear in a PLP solicitation letter seeking to raise $600,000 to fight the next election. We suspect, however, that the sum is a good deal less than the United Bermuda Party goes looking for.

Traditionally the poor relation and the slow starter in Bermuda's politics, this fund campaign may indicate that this time the PLP plans to get ready in advance and splash out on both political advice and advertising. It might have listened to some advice before writing in the appeal letter about the "PLP's contribution to the peace and stability of this Island'' or about "the political balance brought by our efforts''.

It seems clear that this solicitation, being conducted by PLP MP Alex Scott's firm, is not aimed at Bermudians or at local companies. The amounts named and the statement that the appeal is to "the greater Bermuda community'' would indicate to us that the PLP is soliciting the international company sector and probably hopes that those companies which are assumed to be UBP sympathisers, will purchase "PLP insurance''. The PLP is asking for amounts from $500 to $10,000 and up.

However, as there always seems to be with PLP campaigning, there are already all sorts of reports floating about Bermuda.

One report is that the PLP is working hard to turn a very rich non-Bermudian resident into a lucrative PLP supporter. Doubtless some very rich non-Bermudian residents have given support in the past to the UBP but the whole idea makes us suspicious about what non-Bermudians might be hoping for in return for their support.

Another report is that a non-Bermudian has already contributed substantially to the extensive renovations of the PLP's headquarters at Alaska Hall. If that is true, people might have hoped that by now the PLP would have had sufficient funds not to need help from a non-Bermudian with Alaska Hall.

A third pervasive report, which the PLP has now denied, is that the PLP is paying campaign fund solicitors, most of them party officials and Members of Parliament, a ten percent commission on any funds they raise. That was not likely to be popular in a Country where people expect charity to be pure profit.

Another report is that some non-Bermudian companies are courting the PLP, hoping to be very much in favour if the PLP comes to power. The problem with that, of course, is the disquiet it will cause among the companies which might not be in favour. Bermuda should maintain an even-handed approach to all non-Bermudian enterprises operating here.

There is another report that politicians of all stripes, but largely UBP politicians, have been accepting a good deal of entertainment outside Bermuda from non-Bermudians with interests in Bermuda. There is, of course, no such thing as a free lunch, no matter where the lunch is eaten.

When you think about the problems in the United States today over campaign funds for the last election, it may well be time for some tight new laws in Bermuda.