all-out drive to drum up support from members of their constituencies.

Some would say the first Island-wide canvassing effort for the year was a sure sign of an election in the wind.

But Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan, who requested the drive, was remaining tight-lipped last night on the growing rumour of a November election.

However, the party's executive officer Mr. Joe Gibbons said the rumblings were not just idle-talk.

Sir John would not comment on whether the drive signalled an election. "It's all part of keeping in touch with the people,'' he said.

"The United Bermuda Party recognises that only by working together will we be able to face the future with confidence.

"Ours is a partnership that has worked and will continue to work with the active participation of the people of Bermuda.'' Mr. Gibbons, in explaining the effort, said: "The UBP is re-dedicating itself to those activities that will ensure we are in close touch with all Bermudians.'' It was not "just a one-time event'', he asserted.

He said Government was hoping to have "clinics'' every month in all constituencies.

The clinics would not just be used as a way for members to "meet the candidates'', he said, but to discuss issues of concern such as drugs, parenting and planning proposals.

And he said the party would next week announce two major events, including a "UBP fun night''.

"I really don't know when the election will be,'' he said. "But we would be fools to say talk of an election is idle talk. It's got to be before February, 1994, so I would say some time in 1993, but who knows.'' Mr. Gibbons said the party's canvassers and candidates went to the homes of Bermudians, "to listen to their questions and concerns'', at the request of the Premier.

They targeted everyone, leaving snapshots of themselves under the doors of those who were not home.

"While candidates have been canvassing on a regular basis, this was the first time an Island-wide effort had been undertaken with the active participation of the party's membership,'' Mr. Gibbons said.

He said the drive had been well-received by Bermudians.

"As the canvassing reports started to come in to the party's central office, where many of our workers had gathered, I was pleased with the reports of co-operation and warmth that had been extended to them. I would like to thank these Bermudians for their assistance and advice.''