the entire Island fell alseep was a threat to democracy, a Government Senator has claimed.

But Progressive Labour Party Senators claimed the very length of Mr. Hall's three-and-a-half-hour speech -- which took place in the middle of a 27-hour economic debate two weeks ago -- was a credit to the Opposition.

Government Senate Leader the Hon. Michael Winfield (UBP) said: "When an elected MP says it is `my intent to put the people of Bermuda to sleep', it is a threat to the fundamentals of democracy itself.'' Sen.

Winfield added PLP MPs had failed during that debate "to present any fundamental knowledge of the economy''.

But Sen. Trevor Woolridge (PLP) responded by saying Mr. Hall had showed his knowledge of Bermuda's economy by speaking as long as he did.

The Hon. Maxwell Burgess (UBP) said it was regrettable the PLP continued to make comments which divided rather than brought together the races. This showed how a PLP Government would deal with race relations if they came to power, he noted.

Sen. Ira Philip (PLP) said Sen. Winfield was apparently still bothered by the "thrashing'' his party took in the historic marathon adjournment debate.

"What is irking the UBP is the fact Mr. Julian Hall was able to speak for three and half hours ... It is an achievement few on the other side could accomplish,'' he said.

Sen. Jerome Dill (UBP) interjected: "Speaking for a long time is an achievement?''