participants in the debate seem to assume that a Bermudian Governor is more desirable. That may not necessarily be true no matter how distinguished the candidates who have been suggested, and they are all distinguished. And as far as the list of candidates is concerned, we were very surprised that it was not extended outside the political arena to include Appeal Court President Sir James Astwood.

We think the debate ignores the advantages of an outside Governor, especially if he is well-connected. Bermuda gets a huge advantage from Governors who have connections and who can get a hearing with people in high places in large countries. Such a Governor can introduce local politicians and can often provide access to those with the real power. Who you know should not be underestimated. Going through proper channels can be a long and difficult process but a problem can be addressed quickly if you have access to those at the top. Men like Lord Waddington and Sir Peter Ramsbotham, who have themselves had careers at the top, can be very helpful to Bermuda because they are known and respected and viewed as "solid and acceptable''. That counts for a great deal. The alternative is a dismissive "never heard of him''.

An experienced politician or diplomat who comes here as Governor can often give sensible and constructive advice to Bermudian politicians. He can also be something of an independent referee and he can, of course, give advice from a more open perspective on the dangers he sees for Bermuda and Bermudians.

It seems to us to have been true in recent years that Governors have come here and quickly become very supportive of Bermuda's interests. They have not been pushy representatives of Britain. They have come with an attitude of, "How can I help?'' In fact, it has often been surprising just how strongly "Bermudian'' they have become.

Any Bermudian Governor, no matter how distinguished and Sir John Sharpe's service to this Country is without precedent, would bring Bermudian baggage to the job and would find it difficult to act without their own prejudice.

It is also smart to remember that with Governors you often get two for the price of one. Just in the last three Governors we have had three wives who have worked extraordinarily hard for Bermuda. In a Country where charity service is a tradition, Viscountess Dunrossil, Lady Langley and Lady Waddington have been leaders and instigators of service to the benefit of Bermudians.

The United Kingdom Government has said that Bermuda can have Independence whenever it wants. But it seems to feel that as long as it is responsible for Bermuda it wants to be represented in Government House. That is not an unreasonable stand.