It?s either the work of a love-struck fan, political mischief or a serious appreciation for David Burch?s public service. Or, according to the Progressive Labour Party, a shrewd marketing ploy for the Island?s newest radio station HOTT 107.5.

PLP spokesman Scott Simmons said yesterday he had no idea who placed the ad in yesterday?scalling for the Colonel to be Bermuda?s Premier.

?We don?t have a reaction to it other than to confirm that it?s not an official ad from us,? he said. ?I have absolutely no idea (who it?s from).?

But he reminded that no one can be Premier unless they are a member of the Senate or the House of Assembly.

?It?s obvious that there is affection for the Colonel and it could have come from his own personal constituency or it?s an attempt to raise his own profile now that he has his own talk show,? Mr. Simmons said. ?It could be from his own company trying to raise his profile to the general public.?

He continued: ?They have the lion?s share of the market and I think that levels of creativity have been seen of recent, as the individual radio stations and media markets compete for their market share. So, it could be one of those. But we don?t want to speculate and there has absolutely been no party involvement that I?m aware of.

?It?s just affection from either an individual or group of individuals that feel he should be highlighted.?

The ad, complete with a picture of Lt. Col. Burch reads ?Colonel Burch for Premier. Looking after taxpayer?s dollars. He?d get my vote. What d?ya think??

Public relations agency Troncossi Public Relations placed the ad on behalf of a ?private client? whose identity is being kept confidential. A statement from Troncossi general manager Elizabeth Tee stressed that the ad did not reflect the views of the agency.

?As a public relations and communications agency we act under the direction of our clients to help them communicate their messages whether through media relations, speeches, internal communications or an event,? she said.

?We are happy to work with clients of any persuasion regardless of their gender, race, religious, political or sexual persuasion.

?We are non-denominational and will help any client disseminate their message to influence opinion and help change behaviour, that?s what public relations is all about.?

Lt. Col. Burch built a solid reputation as a man of action in the political sphere when he was made Housing Minister two years ago by the former Premier Jennifer Smith, and set about restoring the scandal hit Bermuda Housing Corporation to a proper financial and management footing.

He lost his portfolio, and his Senate seat, following last year?s general election and the ensuing leadership struggle which saw Ms Smith relegated to the backbenches.

But signs of a resurrection of sorts were soon evident, and in February this year he was appointed to the BHC board.

An appointment as chairman of the West End Development Corporation followed in September. Lt. Col. Burch is off the Island and could not be reached for comment by Press-time last night.