the framework for the ruling United Bermuda Party's General Election campaign.

He hammered home the claim that the UBP is the only choice for education, beating crime and drug abuse and caring for families and the young of the Country.

And veteran political heavyweight Mr. Edness, who, as expected, announced he will run in Warwick West again, this time with Sen. Yvette Swan -- came out punching against the Opposition Progressive Labour Party.

He said: "To hand this Country over to the PLP which has only its silence to commend it, to hand the Country over to a party which says `elect us and then we'll tell you what we will do.. .to hand the Country over to such a party is to rob the people of Bermuda of the good Government they deserve.'' Mr. Edness was speaking at a standing room only meeting in Warwick where he finally ended speculation that he would quit the House of Assembly.

Some said Mr. Edness would leave after 30 years in politics and being returned to the backbenches in the last Cabinet reshuffle.

And he backed Premier Pamela Gordon, saying he came out of Cabinet to give her a free hand to appoint a new team.

Mr. Edness said: "I'm pleased to say I'm proud of the leadership demonstrated by Pamela Gordon and her new Cabinet team.

"They have quickly taken over the reins and provided the Country with effective, inspiring leadership.

"All of Bermuda can feel confident there are sensible, hard-working people of the United Bermuda Party looking after their affairs.'' And he added he believed in the Premier's "vision for Bermuda and her caring, hard work and dedication.'' Sen. Swan said: "As a new candidate in this election, I'm proud to have been asked to continue to contribute to the development and growth of Bermuda.'' And Jamaican-born Sen. Swan stressed she was totally committed to Bermuda -- to the extent of giving up her original nationality.

And she told the party faithful: "I've nowhere else to go -- I'm not going to fly off to some other country when you need me.'' The two face a tough fight against sitting Warwick West MP Dr. Ewart Brown and his running mate Elvin James.

But Sen. Swan said she was pleased with the support she had found canvassing the constituency. She singled out the new-look education system, the Police sub-station in Warwick as popular moves.

Ms Gordon -- who lead a team of Government figures to the meeting -- said Mr.

Edness "has and continues to be an important part of the United Bermuda Party team...and we need him.'' And she said the nominations for Warwick West had "experience and commitment -- a man and a woman who combine leadership and compassion. They embody the spirit and dedication of the United Bermuda Party team.'' She added: "Yvette Swan is everywhere -- she's like flying rain. She works hard for us and for this Country.''