but a personal milestone is firmly in second place as she looks forward to a year which she admits will be crucial for the Progressive Labour Party.

For in a maximum of little over a year and probably much sooner, the Country goes to the polls -- and Ms Smith is determined to break the PLP's election duck and win.

"I am trying to lead by example -- I have put the party and every branch on election readiness,'' she said. "We are turning our attention more to specific candidates and for specific areas. We are really moving into election mode.'' Ms Smith, elected leader just over a year ago after the death of Frederick Wade, added: "I'm just doing everything in my power to make sure all the troops are motivated, in line and that we touch base with every constituent.'' The PLP are acknowledged to be closer to taking over Government than ever before.

And Ms Smith said two of the major achievements under her leadership were that was no change of pace following the death of long-time leader Mr. Wade and that the party was in better financial shape.

"Maintaining the pace wasn't as easy at it looked -- but it was important to have continuity,'' she said. "And I'm very pleased with the fact that, through our fundraising efforts, we have been able to pay off much of our old debt. I think we are now in fighting form.'' Ms. Smith, acknowledged as a devil for detail, is clearly proud of her backroom achievements.

But observers note that while she exudes warmth on a one-to-one basis, she has been criticised for appearing distant and aloof in public and occasionally misjudging her approach -- especially towards international business.

She said: "I am positive if you ask me the detail, I would be at a loss, but I do certainly know I've made my share of mistakes and I would expect I will make some more.

"It's a learning process and a growing process and I'm sure I will continue to learn.'' But she dismisses claims of aloofness and unavailability from sections of the media with a flick of the head.

Ms Smith said: "Obviously, I think there is no truth in it. Certainly I have been conscious that I have had to be about the party's business.

"It's making sure that things run along seamlessly and while doing that I could not always be available all the time. Media representatives who want to find me always do. I certainly didn't think it was valid criticism.'' She added the party's attempts to reassure international business that the PLP was not a wild card in the game of politics was actually started under Mr.

Wade and she continued that process.

Smith putting PLP in election mode Ms Smith said: "He realised the problem was that others were interpreting the party to the business sector. He realised that the only way to counter that was to go to them one-to-one.'' And she defended herself against claims that she had forgotten the grass roots in favour of a seat on the board of the Bermuda Commercial Bank and closer links with the business world.

She said: "One of the reasons I accepted the Bermuda Commercial Bank offer was, having followed Mr. Wade's example in making the outreach, that I wanted to send a message to the business community that the PLP can be appointed to your board.

"Actions speak louder than words -- I thought if the leader did it the message might go out that members can too.

"I am learning greatly from the opportunity to serve on this board. It broadens your knowledge and understanding and I would encourage all of our members to be used in that way.'' Her attempts to woo the business community, however, do not appear to have all been well received.

Ms Smith insisted: "I've found it very easy to talk to the business community. I've found them open and receptive -- and I have always believed business would fare better under a PLP Government.

"I think we are more flexible in certain areas and competition would be open and clear. They would not be competing against Government, but rather competing against each other.'' Ms Smith, who brought a fresh appeal to the PLP, also denied that the Parliamentary group had too many old faces with little left to contribute.

And she insisted her party was united -- despite a defection by Stanley Morton during the Prohibited Restaurants Act debate, when party unity was stressed in the face of disarray in the ranks of the ruling United Bermuda Party.

Ms Smith said: "I have to leave it up to that particular Member's conscience.

It's been dealt with internally. I've talked with him and we are once again united.

"He felt he was serving particular constituents. But I would remind you David Allen and he both have the same constituents.'' And she added that she regarded a mix of age, experience and background within the Parliamentary group as an advantage.

She said: "It's very important that any political party, any church, any organisation, understands the importance of achieving a balance between the ages and I find it particularly important politically.

"I find you're far more effective when you're able to call on the one hand, on people who have experience and have those who are young and perhaps give another viewpoint.'' "Not only that, I would be lost without the advice and support of my deputy Eugene Cox, who has a lot of experience. I may have been in politics for 25 years, but I have not been elected all that time.'' But her loyalty to her Parliamentary party -- likely to go into the election unchanged, barring unforeseen circumstances, will be bolstered by a mix of old and new candidates.

The likes of Sen. Neletha Butterfield and Sen. Milton Scott will be joined by new faces like Cromwell Shakir and teacher Dale Butler.

Ms Smith said: "I have been canvassing with MPs and candidates trying to set the tone and set the pace. The year to come will be crucial for us. I don't know about a change of tack, but I would probably increase activity.'' Jennifer Smith