WHEN the people of Bermuda think of Sir John Swan, they are more likely to think of him as the island's longest serving Premier. After all, he did serve in Parliament for 25 years, from 1972 to 1997, and as Premier from 1982 to 1995. Since his departure from the House, he has maintained a considerable level of enthusiasm for the political process.

He has contributed a steady flow of "op-ed" articles to the print media, and recently caused some controversy when, in spite of a strong affiliation with the United Bermuda Party throughout his political life, he lavished praise on the governing Progressive Labour Party.

To the consternation of members of the UBP, he gave an unequivocal opinion that Premier Alex Scott and the PLP were doing a creditable job of governing the country, and encouraged Government to press ahead with plans for Independence. It is perhaps unsurprising then that, while people are not unaware of his business history, his successes in real estate and property development have been overshadowed in the public perception by the higher profile of his political career.

Sir John founded his eponymous real estate company in 1962, and from its modest inception until 1985, John W. Swan Ltd., was responsible for the development of some 40 per cent of the residential property in Bermuda. In more recent years, the company turned its attention to the development of commercial properties, and has completed two distinctive office buildings in Hamilton.

IN a significant departure from established strategy, the company has moved to help remedy the imbalance in housing supply by completing the Atlantis development on Parliament Street in Hamilton. This complex of 60 apartments represents a pioneering move into urban living: the first major supply of quality apartments in the city to make material inroads in meeting an apparently unceasing demand.

This enterprise should not be confused with "low-cost" housing: the one- and two-bedroom apartments in this eight-storey structure, the highest permitted by the City of Hamilton, come with a variety of up-market amenities, including an in-house fitness centre, covered heated swimming pool,(reputedly the first in Hamilton), sun deck and recreational roof-top terrace. At the formal opening of the building this week, Sir John described the four-year gestation of the project and lauded the efforts of the bankers, insurers, architects and builders who had brought it to fruition. He described the efficient construction of 60 units on a half-acre lot as a "milestone" on the path of overcoming the housing problem. He further suggested that it was "imperative" that developers, even in a "city environment", build to the very high standards for which Bermuda is justifiably famous.

Sir John's biography is generally well-known in Bermuda. A high point of his political resum? was leading a delegation to the US to effect an important tax treaty. In 1985 and 1986, several meetings at the highest level involved discussions with President Reagan, Vice-President Bush, and Secretaries of State and Treasury.

His political and business career encompassed founding membership of the Bermuda Monetary Authority, and directorships of the Chamber of Commerce and the Employers' Council. He participated in international gatherings of the British Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, the Aspen Foundation, and World Economic Forums in Davos.

The completion of this Atlantis project is a reminder that Sir John would have made a fair candidate for countless times over the years. Whatever view is taken of the current strength of his commitment to party politics, and there will no doubt be many supporters who would suggest that his first commitment is to the general well-being of Bermuda, this ground-breaking property development will only help cement Sir John's reputation as a businessman of considerable acumen.