could hand the initiative to the opposition party.

The Hon. Sir John Swan was talking during the first head-to-head debate on Independence between himself and the leader of the PLP, Mr. Frederick Wade, live on television last night.

Asked if a `no' vote could hand the momentum to the PLP, Sir John admitted the proposition "had some merit''.

"We have embarked upon a democratic system that has its risks involved. What we are saying to the people is that here is the vote, if they reject it obviously they are rejecting a platform put forward by the UBP.

"Therefore it will strengthen the hand of the PLP. My hope is, though, that people will recognise the importance of this decision.

"The PLP recognise the benefits of a defeat in this referendum. What we have to recognise is that the risk is an unstable Bermuda until such time as the next general election or until such time as Independence does come to Bermuda.'' Sir John also ducked the question over his future should a `no' vote be registered at the referendum saying there were three options - continuing on, resigning or the party deciding it wanted a new leader.

"I do not have any concerns about it,'' he added. "It is a matter of doing the best in the job and taking the consequences, whatever they are.'' In response to a question asking Mr. Wade about the PLP's position in the event of a `yes' or `no' vote, he said if it was negative the issue would not be placed on his party's agenda at the next general election.

"If it was a `yes' vote we would try and get the British Government to force this Country to have an election so the people could have a say in the new Constitution,'' he added.

In summing up, Mr. Wade added: "We (the PLP) have examined the reasons put forward by the UBP for Independence and we are not satisfied that Independence the way they want to go will produce the Bermuda they must produce.

"It must be a Bermuda that guarantees opportunities for jobs, education, bank loans and the right to vote.'' Sir John said the people of Bermuda owed it to themselves to vote to make sure the Country "gets your message''.

"The referendum needs to be successful because Bermuda needs to move on. I think Independence is the next step towards making sure that we as a people work together in the interests of our Country and the benefits that will accrue to us.'' New York pollster Penn & Schoen is again surveying Bermudians on their Independence views.

But the United Bermuda Party, which frequently employs the pollsters, is denying any involvement in the exercise.

Nor is the poll being conducted from the UBP office on Chancery Lane, said party executive officer Mr. Oliver Bain.