Political cartoonist Peter Woolcock has released his latest edition of the famous `Woppened' just series in time for Christmas.

In a July interview with the Mid-Ocean News , veteran journalist Patricia Calnan observed Mr. Woolcock's drawings are a "ruefully merry satire into fractious, self-absorbed world of Island politics''. His latest offering, `Woppened 12: The Political Show -- Different Cast', fits the bill. The book featuring Royal Gazette cartoons from 1999 to 2000, also includes a forward by former Premier Sir John Swan.

Mr. Woolcock said he was grateful Sir John had accepted the dedication: "It shows a measure of the man that he agreed to do it despite over the years I've drawn him in a not-too-flattering light sometimes.'' Older portrayals include Sir John in a MacDonald's uniform flipping hamburgers or wrapped in a flag, clutching a copy of the new national anthem, wearing nothing else.

Sir John wrote of Mr. Woolcock: "There has never been any malice in his work -- just a good-natured sense of fun that is tempered with an intuitive social conscience.'' When asked if he could use one word for every member of the present PLP Cabinet, Mr. Woolcock leaned back in the chair and said convincingly: "I'm not a commentator, I'm an observer.'' It was noted that his pictures generally convey the common opinion of Bermuda's residents and the facts of the case.

"I observe and put a lunatic's view on it.'' he laughed.

"In view of that, I limit myself to the role of observer. Prick the balloon but gently.

"Having said all that, I feel you can make a point just as well gently rather than using a hammer or a boot.'' Mr. Woolcock said the cover is, "a whole shipload, but with a different crew aboard''.

He spoke of a running joke between Premier Jennifer Smith and himself.

"Her hairdos -- I've always pleaded with her for consistency.'' he joked.

"I have to present an immediate presentation of somebody. Being very feminine, as she is, what I had to do for her changing -- I had to resort to her other passion -- for hats -- usually the large size.

"I've clutched onto that like a drowning man. It was the cowards way out.'' he laughed again.

Mr. Woolcock said Arthur Hodgson was still on the cover even though he is no longer in Cabinet because the copy deadline was in September.

"As it was first said in 1965, `a week is a long time in politics'.'' And Mr. Woolcock dismissed rumours that he writes in the Letters to the Editor section of The Royal Gazette .

Woolcock's sharper than ever with `Woppened 12' "People say they saw my letter. I'm not satisfied with drawing but writing through the week as well?'' But he admitted he wrote a letter once.

The other Peter (actually Peter Willcocks the writer) and Mr. Woolcock, the artist, are friends and speak occasionally.

Artist Mr. Woolcock mentioned he was touched that one of his drawings was included in the official Serious Crimes Commission Report.

He said one day when Serious Crimes Chief Commissioner Stanley Moore picked up the proofs from Mr. Woolcock's home they spoke briefly and Mr. Moore revealed he was a singer.

"In fact, he sang for royalty during a visit to Montserrat.'' Mr. Moore admitted he knew an old British tune that Mr. Woolcock could play.

Artist turned musician Woolcock hopped to his piano and played the tune while Serious Crimes Chief Commissioner Stanley Moore song along.

"I couldn't believe it. That I would be accompanying Mr. Moore in the song.

My wife was wondering what all the commotion was.

"And there he was with a very rich baritone singing in my living room.'' Mr. Woolcock remained quiet for a moment before saying: "It was a nice footnote to that unsavoury.'' `Woppened 13' is in the works for release next year and Mr. Woolcock's pen is ready to record another year of lunacy on Bermuda.