US Consul General Robert Farmer yesterday denied he had played favourites with Bermudian political parties.

And he insisted that he had been fair in his dealings with both the United Bermuda Party Government and the Opposition Progressive Labour Party.

He admitted: "I am saddened by the accusations made by some that I have favoured one political party over another.

"To set the record straight, it is not the role of the United States Government to play favourites.

"Rather, our only interest is the establishment and preservation of a healthy working relationship with the party chosen by the people of Bermuda while at the same time maintaining open communications with the Opposition.

"It is to that end that I have dedicated myself and I feel comfortable that the United States enjoys good relations with members of both the principal political parties in Bermuda.'' Mr. Farmer, speaking to Hamilton Rotary Club prior to quitting his post, declined to expand on his comments afterwards.

But it is understood that yesterday's statement was at least partly caused by a behind-the-scenes row over his speech at the funeral service last year for the late Opposition leader Frederick Wade.

It is believed the speech caused anger among some members of Government and then-Governor Lord Waddington, who are understood to have viewed it as virtually a party political broadcast on behalf of the PLP and interfence in the Island's internal affairs.

But Mr. Farmer paid tribute to both Government and Opposition figures and said he was confident Bermuda's future was in good hands.

He praised Premier Pamela Gordon, saying she was "a smart, sophisticated and popular leader.'' Mr. Farmer added: "I truly believe she has the ability, and now the position, to make a huge difference in the lives of all Bermudians.'' And he said she was "well-matched'' by leader of the Opposition Jennifer Smith.

Mr. Farmer added: "I have known Jennifer since I came to the Island and I am far from alone in saying there was little doubt in whose direction the leadership of the PLP was heading after Freddy's untimely death. If I can offer my personal opinion, she has earned her rightful position as leader.'' He also singled out six others -- three each from each end of the political spectrum -- for praise and said they gave him confidence in Bermuda's future.

From the PLP, he picked teacher and would-be MP Dale Butler, lawyer Marc Telemaque and Shadow Community and Cultural Affairs Minister Paula Cox.

The Government side, he said, was strengthened by Education Minister Jerome Dill, new MP Michael Dunkley and just-appointed Senate leader ET (Bob) Richards.

Mr. Farmer also thanked US personnel on the Island, including officials at the US Customs pre-clearance unit at the Airport, Consulate staff and especially deputy principal officer Bruce Berton.

He said: "He is one of the most competent and able people I have ever met and he has been my strong right arm here.'' Mr. Farmer added that he felt the new CedarBridge Academy -- and the entire public education system -- will work "if given half a chance and the support of the community.'' And he said that, from a US perspective, dubbing CedarBridge "a mega-school'' was wrong.

He added that he had been impressed by the staff at the new school and predicted that the public education system "could work and work well.''