lengthy chairmanship of the Public Service Commission.

The Progressive Labour Party wrote to Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan this week recommending former civil servant and labour relations expert Mr. Gladstone Bassett replace her.

Mr. Bassett was "not tainted politically as being in either political camp'', Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade said in a statement.

There were also "any number of able persons in our community who should be considered as suitable candidates for service on the Commission'', he said.

"The party has consistently followed a policy which favours the selection of the person best equipped for the job as was the case with the PLP selection of the Speaker of the House,'' he said.

"In this case, we feel that Mrs. Jeannette Cannonier, OBE, has served as the chairman of the Commission for a number of years. Our recommendation is that she should be changed.'' Mr. Wade said the Premier was required to consult with the Opposition Leader on appointments to the Commission, the body which appoints civil servants.

And the PLP felt the appointments should be "above party politics and any games of political favouritism''.

Sir John said yesterday that he had consulted with Mr. Wade and passed on his comments to Governor Lord Waddington who makes the final decision.

He declined to say what his personal recommendation was saying he did not discuss Commission matters in public.

It is understood he has recommended the re-appointment of Mrs. Cannonier.

Mrs. Cannonier has served five consecutive three-to-five-year terms, he said.

Her current term is up at the end of December.

Mr. Gladstone (Tab) Bassett.