its leader Mr. Frederick Wade declared last night.

He urged party members to find the conviction, commitment and courage to turn that dream into a reality.

"We have a duty to our party, to our Country and to ourselves to conduct ourselves in such a way as to fulfil the dream of the founders of this great party.

"Paramount among those dreams is the first PLP government.'' Mr. Wade was speaking at the start of the PLP Annual Delegates Conference.

About 25 people, including delegates and members, turned up at PLP headquarters Alaska Hall for the informal opening night.

In a break with tradition, the public and Press were allowed to attend, although the rest of the conference will be behind closed doors.

Mr. Wade said the conference -- with its theme of "Commitment, Conviction, Courage'' -- came at a crossroads in Bermuda's political history.

While the PLP remained stable, major philosophical and political differences were tearing the United Bermuda Party apart.

The UBP could only rebuild itself out of office, Mr. Wade said.

"As a political leader I appreciate the difficulties that they face as we in the PLP had our turn in the early and mid-1980s.

"We ought to, therefore, understand and appreciate the position they now hold having placed those years behind us.'' Mr. Wade said the PLP first of all needed conviction to hold true to its aims if it was to win power.

"We must develop a passion for the party. This conviction comes after we understand the party's programmes, and after we accept that those programmes are designed to benefit the people we represent, the people who hold us up as their leaders, the people who have sacrificed and will continue to sacrifice to see the party succeed.

"Those who see the party as an opportunity for personal satisfaction, personal financial gain must reassess their values and reshape their ideas so that they develop the conviction required, not for my sake, but for the good of the party, the Country and the people whom we represent.'' Mr. Wade called on members to examine their lives, and ensure they were motivated by the right factors.

"All of us having developed this conviction can then move on to the next stage which is commitment.

"Having the passion is not enough if it does not translate into action. It is not enough to want to win or to dream of winning. It is more important to work together for victory.'' Mr. Wade said the unity in the PLP had stood it in good stead over the last 12 months.

Although the party's stance on Independence was controversial, it proved to be a good strategy.

"I know that there were members at all levels who disagreed with the party.

However, once we had an agreement to the policy, all members chipped in to see it through by active participation or silent consent.'' Mr. Wade said the election of Opposition MP Mr. Stanley Lowe as Deputy Speaker showed the confidence of people in the PLP.

"His success is another example of our unity and commitment standing us in good stead.'' A third ingredient, however, was necessary for election victory -- courage, said Mr. Wade.

With courage the PLP could grab the opportunity for power at the next election.