International business leader Cheryl Packwood yesterday dismissed an advert attacking Mitt Romney's investments in Bermuda as a “silly” publicity stunt from Hustler publisher Larry Flynt.However, Ms Packwood said the Island should consider a publicity campaign of its own to counter the political bashing it receives before every presidential election.In a full-page advert in yesterday's Bermuda Sun, Mr Flynt offered Bermudians $1 million to provide information about Republican candidate Mr Romney's investments in Bermuda.The advert, which also ran in the Washington Post and USA Today, urges residents to come forward with details about Mr Romney's “unreleased tax returns and/or details of his offshore assets, bank accounts and business partnerships”, with the headline: “What is he hiding?”It follows reports Mr Romney has offshore accounts, including a shell company in Bermuda, which sparked criticism from Democratic President Barack Obama supporters.Some have questioned whether the Island could be targeted in any crackdown on tax havens, although US Attorney General Eric Holder has said he would not characterise Bermuda that way.Reacting to the advert yesterday, Ms Packwood and Premier and Finance Minister Paula Cox pointed to the Island's track record conforming with international standards on legislation, its commitment to Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs) and place on the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) white list.Ms Packwood, the CEO of Business Bermuda, said in a statement: “Larry Flynt's publicity stunt is silly with regard to Bermuda.“We have laws, legislation and tax information exchange treaties which provide for cooperation between foreign governments and agencies, provided there is a substantive matter involved such as tax evasion or SEC violations.“Indeed, Bermuda has signed numerous TIEAs, including two with the US, in conformity with global standards and we were the first jurisdiction to ascend to the OECD white list.“In the US, Larry Flynt's comments will have no impact on whether business continues to be done in Bermuda.“As for any spotlight on Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and offshore centres in general, we are in the midst of the US election and this rhetoric is par for the course.“However, just because this political bashing happens every four years, does not mean that Bermuda should not be vigilant, we need to maintain our consistent lobbying efforts through the Association of Bermuda's Insurers and Reinsurers and the Bermuda Government's representatives and indeed explore a PR campaign targeting decision makers in the US on the long-standing Bermuda/US symbiotic relationship which has endured for over 400 years.”Ms Cox said in a statement: “Under the PLP's leadership, Bermuda has moved from the OECD's grey list to the white list of reputable tax jurisdictions.“We have worked hard to sign a record number of TIEAs which send a clear message to businesses around the world that our regulatory environment is strong and that we're open for business.“But, don't take our word for it. Just a few days ago, Fitch praised the strength of our regulatory environment and our compliance with international tax standards.“That, combined with the recent announcement that Equator Reinsurance is planning to move from Dublin to Bermuda shows that sure and steady progress is being made.“It's companies like Equator Reinsurance moving their office and positive comments from Fitch that investors and business professionals find most important.”United Bermuda leader Kim Swan said: “The United Bermuda Party sees no value in wading into the partisan battles taking place in America, with a closely contested Presidential race about to be decided in less than eight weeks on November 6.“Bermuda must be prepared to work with whichever candidate is successful and becomes the President of the United States once the American people have spoken.“For the record, Bermuda has enjoyed a favourable relationship with our US neighbours for centuries, our histories forever intertwined and we look to build on that relationship.”