of the Bahamas new right-wing Government -- putting pressure on Bermuda to follow suit.

Bahamian Prime Minister the Hon. Hubert Ingraham has also taken a knife to the battery of perks of his predecessor Sir Lynden Pindling.

Out go a host of political extras -- cooks, maids, laundress, and gardeners.

Last night National Liberal Party leader Mr. Gilbert Darrell gave a cautious welcome to developments in Bermuda's island twin.

"I certainly think some MPs here are very well paid in their occupations outside politics, and could take a cut,'' he said.

And on blowing the cover off Bermuda's hush-hush Cabinet, he declared: "You can't knock the idea.'' But Mr. Darrell doubted whether local politicians had the stomach for either move.

Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade, however, described salary cuts as an easy political gesture.

"Politicians in the Bahamas are paid almost double than us. I think we earn our keep here. I don't encourage the popular sport of MP bashing,'' he said.

Mr. Wade also shied away from "too open'' Cabinet, describing it as dangerous.

"I think there has to be some secrecy. Cabinet can't operate in a fish bowl.'' But Mr. Wade did call for more public information and involvement in political debates.

"I would generally support more open Government.'' Since taking office, Mr. Ingraham has set out with zeal to breathe greater democracy throughout the corridors of power.

Topics for discussion at Cabinet -- kept under wraps here -- are to be unveiled.

And the decisions will also be revealed, although the votes of Cabinet members will not.

He has also announced proposed legislation to slash politicians' salaries.

And he is to lead the way, taking a drastic 12 percent cut in his $86,000 salary.

His duty allowance of $15,000 will remain the same as his recent election victim -- Sir Lynden, from the Progressive Liberal Party.

Ministers, senators and members of the House of Assembly, will also be hit hard in the pocket.

Later Mr. Ingraham announced further cost-cutting measures.

These included a pledge not to use a $60,000 house staff allowance to which he is entitled.

He would also take steps to further reduce the operations of the prime minister's office by $500,000 a year.

Mr. Ingraham declared the $45,000 a month contract with New York public relations woman Carolyn Jones to spruce up the former prime minister's image was a thing of the past.

The public treasury had paid Sir Lynden for a battery of political extras.

These included a head cook, cook, laundress, maids and gardeners.

"This Prime Minister does not have that so that is an immediate saving of $60,000 per year,'' Mr. Ingraham said.

Mr. Hubert Ingraham.