The ruling Progressive Labour Party (PLP) is keeping a tight lid on plans to release its election manifesto.

"It will be produced when it is appropriate to do so," said party spokesman Walter Roban.

"It is always carefully timed - it is never a document which is released without planning or proper preparation. And that's my only answer."

He would not say whether it was ready but did indicate that all segments of the party contributed to the document.

"The platform is always a manifestation of every segment of the party - the Ministers' submissions, submissions from members of the party. Its a manifestation of everybody's experience and knowledge in a variety of areas that contributes to the party formulating its position. It is not a document written by some singular individual. It is an example of the accumulated knowledge of the party through many years and a collaboration of all segments of the party."

And he reminded this newspaper that, unlike the Opposition, the PLP had released a platform in every election campaign.

"We are the only party that has consistently provided a basis for governance. We've always had a platform and we will continue to do so - mindful that it is a very carefully planned and launched document."