new. They have to learn to keep their lives totally divorced from the examples set by what seems to be a growing number of their elected leaders.

We know that an election is "in the wind'' and we fully understand that at election time political tempers become taut and anxious. We also know that the Progressive Labour Party is on edge because it senses victory and probably understands that it may never have a better chance to win than in Election 1998.

It seems to us that there are plenty of serious criticisms the PLP could make of the Government in a calm and dignified manner which would be much more devastating that rushing about calling people ugly names. The PLP has a history of using ugly names at election time but perhaps it learned that bad habit from the "disinformation wing'' of the UBP which is expert at spreading lies even about its friends.

Aside from personal devastation, there is a national problem in the example that these unnecessary rows set for the rest of Bermuda, especially for young people. Is it any wonder that our students stamp their feet and confront their teachers when that very example is set by the people their parents elect.

Is it any wonder that people who write letters to the Editor or speak on talk shows so often go too far, use opinion as fact, degrade their fellow Bermudians and try to mislead their readers and listeners.

The Bermudian people in general do not like confrontation. Given the opinions expressed in the House of Assembly and the Senate at the end of the last session of Parliament there was some hope that this session of Parliament would set a high standard for Bermuda. In at least one major debate that has been so. But after only a month there is again acrimony.

Only a week or so ago the PLP's Alex Scott suggested in the House that The Royal Gazette should "cease and desist'' in the interests of the community from making comments on members of the House. Mr. Scott forgets that the Press represents the community and has a duty to be a watchdog and to comment on the behaviour of politicians. It is impossible to "cease and desist'' as long as some of the noisier members do not cease and desist. Clearly Mr. Scott would like to do as he pleases without Press comment but obviously that would not be in the public interest.

Now the PLP has provided the most immature example by taking its marbles and walking out of the House, or perhaps losing its marbles and walking out. All of this was accompanied by claims that the House was lied to by Quinton Edness. He is consulting a lawyer. Alex Scott consulted a lawyer and is demanding that Premier Pamela Gordon apologise to him in yet another "liar'' row. She too is consulting a lawyer. It is, of course, vital that Parliamentarians not lie to Parliament and anyone who does so should resign.

However it is also vital to the proper functioning of Bermuda that the people's business be conducted in a dignified manner which sets good behaviour examples for the Country. Bermudians who are so insistent on a "Good Morning'' surely want their elected representatives to be at least civil and polite to one another within the framework of political debate.

We think that the party which takes the high road and sticks with it may well capture admiring floating voters.