The United Bermuda Party has hired a Barbadian political strategist.

Deputy Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley told The Royal Gazette that Hartley Henry, who is known for his work throughout the Caribbean, would be used as a "sounding board."

Mr. Henry was recently employed as a campaign organiser for the Concerned Citizens Movement in Nevis. The party suffered a shock defeat in the local government elections earlier this month after two terms in office. He has previously worked as an advisor for the Unity Labour Party in St. Vincent and is a former candidate for the Democratic Labour Party in Barbados.

Mr. Dunkley said Mr. Henry had been working for the party for a number of months, although he could not be specific about how long. "He's got a wealth of experience," he said. "We believe he's got the background. We can call on his experience and political background and use him as a sounding board. All political parties have consultants."

He added: "For Bermudians, consultants in politics is probably something they're not familiar with. In the US consultants take the front seat. It's important for political parties to remain effective and current."

He said that Mr. Henry had not been brought over to Bermuda although he would travel to the Island when necessary.

The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer reported last year that Mr. Henry earned $80,000 (East Caribbean) a month for his position there - the equivalent of $3,034 Bermudian.

Mr. Dunkley declined to comment on how much the United Bermuda Party was paying the strategist, but said the party was "focused on getting value for money." He said Mr. Henry was the only political consultant currently used by the UBP.

The Progressive Labour Party Government's hiring of Trinidadian Roy Boyke as a media consultant in 2002 provoked a political row, with the UBP claiming at that time that he had been brought in to boost the chances of the PLP winning the 2003 election. He had previously worked for the PLP during the 1998 election.

However, PLP campaign chairman Senator Walter Roban said last night that it did not have any consultants at present. He also moved to scotch rumours that the Government plans to go to the people this summer, telling The Royal Gazette: "There are no election plans."

Mr. Henry did not return calls by press time.