At least one Government Minister hopes to see Bermuda independence within the decade.

And Environment Minister Dennis Lister says that a United Bermuda Party (UBP) gag on candidates' expressing their personal views on independence is “cowardice”.

He said he had always been a “strong proponent” of Bermuda going independent.

“I wouldn't put a time frame to it, I know there are some things that we need to do to get us there. Part of that we have here going into the elections - single seat, one man one vote - is all part of preparing us to take that major step,” he said.

Asked if the time frame for independence should fall with the United Nation's goal of decolonisation by 2010, he said: “I would like to think we would not have to wait for such a time frame. I would like to think we wouldn't have to wait till then. But the key is that we are moving in the direction of preparing this country for whenever that day comes. Whenever that day comes we will be ready for it.”

The Opposition UBP's official position on Independence is that it should be put to the people in a referendum and, according to one UBP candidate, they have been instructed not to tell the media their personal views on the subject.

Party leader Grant Gibbons denies telling his candidates not to talk about independence. The issue has in the past bitterly divided the party.

Last week Mr. Lister said that if the UBP is imposing a gag on its candidates, it gives the lie to claims that the party has changed.

“The flip is when you look at the history of independence for Bermuda, the Progressive Labour Party has always been the proponents of independence for Bermuda,” he said.

“However, the issue of independence was always used as a noose around the neck of the Progressive Labour Party when we were in the Opposition and any time it was mentioned it was pulled a notch tighter by the establishment of the day, including the Government of the day, the United Bermuda Party and its supporters, so I'm not surprised that the ‘new UBP' has been ordered not to talk about the issue because it's the same support base that governed that party before that governs them today. It's the same support base that kept the people down all those years ago that would still like to do the same that they've done before. So for them to stand up and say ‘we're a new bunch, a new UBP' but afraid to talk about the issue just acknowledges who they respond to.”

He added: “If you want to be a politician, you have to learn to stand up and speak to your personal issues sometimes. And this is one of those issues that need for the politicians to stand up and to deal with their personal issues.

“Yes it may not be on the agenda as an immediate agenda of a political party, but it's an issue that you should have a personal position on and you shouldn't have to hide behind a call for a referendum on. And if you are taking that position, I say it's a cowardly approach to responding to the issue.”

Premier Jennifer Smith won't tell her personal view either - whenever the topic is brought up she says the party's position is well known.

Throughout the election campaign UBP candidates have declined to give their personal view when asked if they consider that Bermuda should or will go independent within the next three to seven years.

Instead they repeat the party line that it should be decided in a referendum.

“I think if people get asked the question in people's living rooms or on their back porch or on the street, where do they stand on independence I think they are quite prepared to give it,” said Dr. Gibbons last week.

“I haven't told anybody they're not allowed to tell the press. What I am telling you is right now my particular position on independence is not important.” But he added that he believed independence will come as a result of internal or external issues.

“We could be pushed into a position where independence is the only way forward for Bermuda because of pressure that we are getting from the United Kingdom or because of external factors.

“My own personal view is that Bermuda will sometime go independent. I can't say when that will be.

“And as I said I certainly don't think there's any pressing need for it right now. I think the majority of Bermudians do not feel that an adequate case has been made for independence at the present time.

“That's my general sense so I don't seen any reason why it should be pushed.”