THE controversial issues of Independence and casinos have both taken a back-seat as the economic downturn starts to affect the lives of Bermudians.

This is according to Minister for Culture and Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler (pictured) , who this week sought to canvass the views of his Warwick North East constituents on what he sees as three of the most contentious topics on the table in today's Bermuda: gambling, Independence and crime.

Mr. Butler had intended to use the views of his constituents as a litmus test for the will of the people before the House of Assembly reconvenes in February.

However, Mr. Butler told the Mid-Ocean News yesterday that his forum was attended by only a small number of Warwick North East residents, perhaps indicating a lack of interest – and forcing the MP to represent the views of his constituents in Parliament with very little knowledge of their opinions on these key issues.

"These were the concerns aired on the doorstep during the election, and I'd circulated notices well in advance," Mr. Butler said, adding that the event was "costly" to produce.

"They elect you, then they complain you don't canvass them. I mailed out 900 survey forms and have had ten responses back by mail, and ten by e-mail. It is not enough. They get upset if I go to Parliament without consulting them – but it looks like they want me to make my own decisions."

He agreed that the issues of casinos and Independence had "taken a backseat" to other growing concerns, the most pressing being the worsening economic climate.

"There's a downturn – people are interested in conserving their funds, that is number one," he said.

Mr. Butler believes, however, that the issue of Independence will keep rearing its head despite the recession.

"Independence pops up all the time," he said.

He added that the question of whether casinos should be allowed in Bermuda is still very much open for debate, citing the feasibility study on gambling commissioned by the Government last year.

Mr. Butler said that, because he has "neither the time nor resources" to canvass every doorstep in his constituency on these key issues, he'd hoped to use this week's forum as a gauge of interest.

"I'd have thought people would come out," he said. "I've done my part. I can only wait and see."