unpaid social insurance contributions for her law firm, The Royal Gazette has learned.

It is understood that a file on Sen. Milligan-Whyte's debts was in the hands of the Attorney General's chambers because her debts reached as high as $106,000 last summer.

But Sen. Milligan-Whyte has paid $100,000 on her debt which leaves her about $6,000 in arrears. Consequently the Attorney General's chambers has held off pursuing the matter through the courts.

Sen. Milligan-Whyte who was canvassing in her Paget East constituency all day yesterday was unavailable to answer any questions from The Royal Gazette .

Meanwhile Government Information Services' director Gavin Shorto declined to comment on the matter.

He said: "It is not the Government's policy to make its outstanding bills the subject of public comment until such time as a writ is filed in the Supreme Court.

"Having said that, let me make it clear that I am neither confirming or denying that there is any outstanding debt between these two parties.'' She is thought to be the lead candidate in the upcoming UBP primary that will decide who will represent the United Bermuda Party at the by-election made necessary with the resignation of former Premier Sir John Swan.

She is widely seen as the clear favourite and declared her interest in taking over Sir John's Paget East seat in the House of Assembly. Recently she has been appearing in paid television advertisements as the primary date nears.

It is believed that her experience as Government Leader of the Senate and role as Legislative Affairs and Women's Affairs Minister give her an advantage.