some records of her own. To keep the confidence of your political party and the support of your Country for such a long continuous period is a remarkable achievement in itself. During that time Sir John Swan and his party went to the people over and over and won.

Why? Because Sir John Swan was able, as probably no-one else was able, to forge a consensus. As a self-made businessman in the middle stream of Bermudian politics, he was respected by almost every white Bermudian. As a rich and successful black man who understood the problems of blacks in Bermuda, he was admired by blacks, especially young aspiring black men and older black women who all but adored him. Those who criticised him were often jealous of his success or angry that he could win elections because of his consensus.

Perhaps Sir John's most remarkable gift to Bermuda was a long period of both peace and prosperity. Under him we developed a second highly successful international company industry to complement tourism. Because his Government prepared the economy, Bermuda survived a deep recession in much better shape than most countries.

He was a builder of human relations, friendly, personable and at his best talking one-to-one. He was at home anywhere in Bermuda, a claim which few politicians can make. And he worked hard, days in his office and everywhere from beauty pageants to company dinners at night.

He was also a physical builder, constructing a new incinerator to relieve Pembroke of the horrors of the Dump, a new prison to replace the antiquated conditions of Casemates and a new bus terminal to free the main approach to Hamilton.

He had a blessing, a wonderful wife. It would have been relatively easy for Lady Swan to be what she was naturally -- warm, gracious, charming and a great hostess. Political wives are expected to do that without any consideration for their own wishes. But Lady Swan made her own contribution to Bermudians as a remarkable fund raiser. Any number of causes received her help, notably her pet, the Packwood Home, and then the hospitals' capital campaign.

Mistakes? Yes, of course there were mistakes. No politician can stay in office that long without his government making some mistakes. When Sir John came to office all those years ago he said: "All I can do is my best.'' That he did and, interestingly enough, very few of the mistakes can be attributed to Sir John himself except that sometimes he left failing ministers in office too long.

Since the last election it has been clear that Sir John wanted to leave office. He appeared torn between liking the job and feeling that he had had enough.

Why then did Sir John Swan, at the end of a distinguished career, move for Independence against the wishes of his party and the people? He staked his personal reputation and his high popularity on the referendum and he lost. It has often been suggested in recent months that his motive was personal glory.

We do not believe that, because we think Sir John genuinely believed that Independence was necessary for the final emancipation of black Bermudians. We also think that, as he said, he saw Independence bringing Bermudians together in "their'' Country. We also think he believed that his political party was guaranteed to stay in power if it led Bermuda to Independence.

Sir John and Lady Swan have been in the forefront of Bermudian life for a long time. The Country owes them a great debt and we may never see the likes of them again. They will both be difficult to replace.