hardly been a peep from the political parties on the subject, even when they have been asked a question. Even the Committee for the Independence of Bermuda has been relatively quiet on the subject, considering that election time might be an opportunity to spread their gospel. In fact, there was a time when Independence for Bermuda was much more of an issue in Bermudian politics than it is today.

Why? We think Independence is simply not a big concern for the electorate. There is a small hard core of people in favour of Independence. There are some leaders in favour. But the people generally range from strongly against to "I don't see what's in it for me''. The reality seems to be that no-one has ever been able to convince Bermudians of any real advantages, other than emotional ones, to Independence. The disadvantages in terms of huge costs of overseas representation are obvious. The dangers for a tiny island bobbing about by itself in an unfriendly world are unsettling.

There are no other strictures on Bermuda. Britain's stance quite correctly leaves the matter to Bermuda to decide. That stance amounts to: "Have a vote, make up your minds and go if you want to. In the meantime, we won't push you.'' It is the latter sentence which causes problems for some Bermudians, because they believe that the day will come when Britain will push, simply because Britain is no longer in the Colony business.

Bermuda's politicians do not raise Independence as an election issue, ever, because they know that there are no votes to be had there. In fact, there are probably votes to be lost in supporting Independence.

The UBP makes its position clear. As a party it is not in favour of Independence even though it is generally believed that Premier Sir John Swan is personally in favour. Sir John makes it clear that he will only do what the people want.

The PLP does not advocate Independence, or income tax, when elections come around, presumably because it fears scaring off some voters. However it is clear that if the PLP came to power it would move quickly to make Bermuda independent. PLP leader Mr. Frederick Wade has said, "We still believe in Independence but we believe Bermudians need to be educated.'' Mr. Wade further said that the PLP recognises that the people are not for Independence at this time ... "So why should we push it down their throats?'' The latter statement may, of course, just be election talk. We think Bermudians have had years, ever since Sir John Sharpe was Premier and published a green paper, to think and learn about Independence. We think Bermudians are educated and well informed and have decided that there is little in Independence for them. Polls a few years ago showed 80 percent opposed to Independence.

It would seem that Independence is "on the back burner'' for the election but the PLP would fast move it to "the front burner'' if it won the election, no matter what the people want.