As predictable as it is pointless, politicians persist in blaming the Press for their problems.

They should give it up and focus on the issues instead.

That's unlikely to happen, so for the record, this newspaper reiterates for what will almost certainly not be the last time, that it does not support any political party and will not be endorsing any political party in the upcoming election.

Instead it will continue to cover the political scene fairly and accurately and without bias. It will not shy away from its responsibility as a watchdog to report on problems and debates in the community, whether they concern Cuba, the Berkeley project, the housing scandal or anything else. And it will not be intimidated into avoiding these issues by accusations of bias.

This newspaper will report on issues of concern to the whole community and will reflect the diversity of opinions that arise. If it makes mistakes it will admit them, quickly and completely, and when it believes it has reported a story accurately it will stand by it and will not be bowed by criticism in the House of Assembly or elsewhere.

It is worth remembering that there is a difference between what is reported on in the news columns of this newspaper and the opinions that are given on the editorial page.

News stories should report the facts, give both sides of the story where possible and should not be a medium for a reporter or newspaper's own opinion. That does not mean that reporters should suspend their judgment when reporting a story. If a person says "X" when the facts clearly say "Y", then the reporter has a duty to point that out.

That occurred on Friday when Deputy Speaker Walter Lister claimed Government's policy toward Cuba had not changed, when it had already been confirmed that Government was negotiating a memorandum of understanding with that country. The newspaper story reported the facts - but made no judgment either on the wisdom of the policy or on Mr. Lister's ability to tell the truth - that is up the reader.

An editorial, on the other hand, can and should give opinions on the issues of the day. This newspaper does so on a case by case basis, giving credit where it is due, and offering criticism when it is warranted. But this does not influence how a reporter covers a story. If facts emerge that contradict the editorial opinion of the newspaper, then that's fine.

It is the editorial position of this newspaper that the Government's decision to expand links with Cuba - a fact - is both wrong-headed on moral grounds and because it is bound to irritate Bermuda's largest trading partner and exceptionally badly timed given the recent series human rights abuses in that country.

As for Mr. Lister, he obviously hasn't been briefed on his Government's recent moves toward Cuba or he would not say so anything so foolish. But in future, he should get a proper briefing before he opens his mouth, or someone may well accuse him of dishonesty.