The PLP is planning an Island-wide education campaign to promote greater knowledge of the independence issue.

The news was revealed by Senator Walter Roban who pledged the meetings will not be a one-sided bid to push the pro-independence stance.

He gave no date but said they would be held in the near future.

Last year the Bermuda Independence Commission held a series of meetings ? some to half-empty halls ? to discuss the pros and cons of splitting from Britain.

And Sen. Roban conceded the Government may also stage its own meetings further down the line although Government members would also take part in the PLP organised meetings.

Asked if it was overkill he said: "Back in school you sit in a classroom and even if you are tired of it you still spend a long time learning."

He said the idea of the PLP meetings was to highlight the findings of the Bermuda Independence Commission report.

Experts from both inside and outside the PLP will be on hand to answer questions about issues such as the economy, aviation, security, and shipping.

"This is going to be diverse, not one-sided. This is not about whether you agree or disagree (with independence). What we are interested in is having a full discussion," said Sen. Roban.

"Irrespective of the PLP's clearly-stated position in favour of independence it's not a closed book on how we step forward. We want Bermuda to step forward together."

Asked about his reactions United Bermuda Party leader Wayne Furbert questioned what the PLP meetings would say that hadn't already been said during the BIC meetings.

"It is crazy, it is loud and clear from the polls we have seen," Mr. Furbert explained. "They can do what they want. We will stay focused on what we think is more important to the people ? housing, education, seniors ? those things that make a difference."

The most recent polls found support for political autonomy for Bermuda rising slightly with almost 24 percent of people support the idea while those opposed dropped from 66.3 percent to 62.5.

Premier Alex Scott has dropped hints that there is likely to be a referendum on independence on either the day of a general election or one year after.

However, the Bermudians for Referendum campaign group believes that this should take place before the polls.

Bermudians for Referendum Mike Marsh said he had yet to hear from Premier Alex Scott after last week delivering a petition signed by 52 percent of the voters from the 2003 election calling for a referendum on independence.

The group has given the Premier until Thursday to respond before moving to other measures including marches and lobbying in London.

Mr. Marsh said: "It is very frustrating. It has been four months since we started this request."