care reform plan that Government implemented more than 20 years ago, Health Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness claimed at a UBP rally last night.

He told the roughly 200 people who attended the Port Royal School forum that Bermuda had one of the best health care systems in the world, with no Bermudian denied medical care because of a lack of money.

Following Mr. Edness' address, Youth and Sport Minister the Hon. Pam Gordon made an emotional plea to deadbeat fathers to stop ignoring their children. Ms Gordon said she was a single parent who was committed to helping youngsters "make it''.

She listed a number of things, including an entertainment centre, that Government would provide for the youth if re-elected.

Mr. Edness also took a stab during his speech at the PLP's restriction on candidates speaking freely on policy issues, the so-called gag order.

Noting the UBP was putting forward 17 new candidates, he said: "Unlike our friends in the PLP, we welcome ideas from our new candidates. We do not gag our new candidates. We let them speak.'' He further said the PLP's party manifesto showed "a degree of arrogance''. It called for a code of ethics for Cabinet Ministers, "But what about Shadow Ministers?,'' he asked.

The PLP's plan to reduce the number of seats in Parliament from 40 to 30 -- "without consulting the people'' -- was also arrogant, he said.

The Party should first ask Bermudians whether they were in favour of the change as they elected members, he said.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan was a man who "ruled by the majority'', he added.

Ms Gordon, running in Southampton West with Mr. David Dodwell, said she represented "the new enthusiasm'' of the UBP.

"As long as I am involved in this party, the young people of this country will be supported protected and promoted,'' she pledged.

On the UBP's "to do'' list were: Sponsoring more youth summits; establishing a Bermudian youth journal written by teenagers; developing a music and entertainment facility, setting up a volunteer youth corps; giving the youth greater involvement in the National Drug Strategy; putting recreation centres in all parishes -- one was just commissioned in Shelly Bay, completing the next phase of the National Stadium and creating a national centre for youth to come in and voice concerns.

Sen. Gordon believed one obstacle the children of Bermuda were facing, and which Government had no control over, was delinquent fathers.

"The one thing that disturbs me most is when fathers do not acknowledge their responsibilities to their children,'' she said. "How can young people contribute to the community and feel good about themselves when their father does not acknowledge or even wish to support them? Self esteem begins at home.'' She appealed to anyone who knew a father -- or mother -- who did not support their children, financially and emotionally, to "make them understand''.

The third speaker, Sandys North candidate Mr. Ed Bailey warned it would "not take many wrong moves to bring our Country tumbling down''. "One area we know we can deliver results is that of economic stability,'' he said.

The forum was held in the West End at Port Royal School to formally introduce the United Bermuda Party's Warwick, Southampton and Sandys Parish candidates.

After introducing the candidates, the Premier said: "We are no longer the party we used to be. We've changed because we've been in touch with the people.'' He took the opportunity to thank Mr. Harry Viera, who left the UBP to go independent and will not be running in the election, for his support.

He could not let the night go by without saying: "Harry you're unique.''