Swan's bid to open a McDonald's at the Airport were dismissed as "absolute poppycock.'' The reports said the reason was to remove the firm controlled by ex-Premier Sir John from political controversy -- especially so close to a General Election.

But last night Maxwell Burgess -- a director of Grape Bay Ltd and a United Bermuda Party backbencher -- said: "I don't know what they're talking about.'' And he insisted it was business as usual for Grape Bay Ltd., set up last year with the sole object of bringing McDonald's to the Island.

The company's plans took a step closer to reality after a Supreme Court judge last week ruled that anti-fast food franchise Prohibited Restaurants Act 1997 was unconstitutional.

And the final barrier -- subject to appeals to the Bermuda Court of Appeal and the possibility of further action in London's Privy Council -- was removed this week when Puisne Judge Vincent Meerabux refused to grant a stay of execution on his original decision.

But it is not known whether Grape Bay would push ahead and open up a business with the risk that Mr. Justice Meerabux's decision could be overturned by a superior court.

And an opening at the Airport -- the first choice site for a McDonald's -- is still up in the air.

Government has already granted a concession to Grape Bay Ltd, but the lease still has to be approved by the House of Assembly.

And if the Progressive Labour Party combines with a rebel group of Government MPs -- as it did over the Act -- that would be enough to deny the firm an Airport slot.