pre-election duelling.

And the February 17 Budget should produce the first major spillage of blood.

It will put the recession-battered economy -- the key election issue -- firmly under focus.

Much of the cut and thrust will be over Government's plans to boost employment, control inflation, and lead the Island out of hard times.

It will be against a background of President Bill Clinton's election triumph in the United States.

But the new Parliamentary session should also usher in major social legislation. This includes: The setting up of the National Drugs Authority, to spearhead the Island's offensive against the scourge.

Harsher penalties on sex offenders.

Creating an offence equal to manslaughter for an AIDS carrier who rapes or has sex without telling their partner they are infected.

Allowing children born overseas to a Bermudian woman and her foreign-born husband to acquire status.

Some of Judge Stephen Tumim's proposals on the criminal justice system.

The Progressive Labour Party will also strive to propel their own pet issues into the spotlight.

Among them will be the annual voter registration system, which it wants scrapped.

The party claims it is harmed by the system, with PLP supporters not registering as regularly as those of the United Bermuda Party.

It believes its supporters are more cash-strapped, and tied up with attempting to find a job, feeding the family, or paying bills.

The PLP wants the current registration list frozen, with names added and taken off as required. It says this will be a big money saver.

Another major issue for political observers will be whether any MP will bring a bill to repeal ant-gay sex laws.

But yesterday Government sources said the economy would be at the heart of political debate in the coming session.

"There is no doubt the Budget will dominate, as Government sets out its programme for the next fiscal year,'' one official said. "It will portray Government thinking for the future of the Country, perhaps with the election in mind.

"The big question will be: is it an election Budget or not? It will be aimed at helping the Country come out of recession, creating jobs, and controlling inflation.

Today's opening post-Christmas debate focuses on Government's key social reforms, with second readings of the Public Health Amendment Act 1993, and the Criminal Code (Sexual Offences) Amendment Act 1993.

It promises to be a hectic day for Health and Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness.

"This is very important legislation which reflects Government's attitude and commitment that women in Bermuda must be held in high esteem, and feel secure in society,'' he said.

Under the proposals, the term rape will be replaced in the Criminal Code with four categories: sexual assault, assault by a person with a deadly disease, serious sexual assault, and aggravated sexual assault.

Husbands or wives could be charged with sexual assault of their spouse.

And children's evidence could be taken by video to spare them appearing in court.

Added to plans for a National Drugs Authority, and the immigration law changes to give new rights to foreign-born children of Bermudian women, Government may feel more confident about going to the Country. It is also likely to bring in some of Judge Tumim's ideas -- which have won PLP support.

Yesterday, however, Minister of Delegated and Legislative Affairs the Hon. Sir John Sharpe, chairman of the committee reviewing the proposals, was giving nothing away.

He pointed out many of Tumim's recommendations did not need legislation.

PLP leader Mr. Frederick Wade agreed the Budget, and economy, would dominate politics in the coming weeks.

"The question is will the recession remain an albatross around the Country's neck,'' he said.

The election would also colour debate, although guessing when the starting pistol would be fired was getting tiresome, said Mr. Wade.

"The next window of opportunity is April, May or June.''