comments linking him to the Progressive Labour Party.

Mr. Burchall has asked Health Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness to take back the comments in the House of Assembly today.

And in a letter to the Minister he has denied that he is a member of the PLP.

Mr. Edness attacked Mr. Burchall in Parliament on Wednesday during the adjournment debate.

He said the Bermuda Times column `Burchall's Bermuda' had "taken to creating stories involving myself and certain other members of the Government in the Bermuda Times.

"He has started to systematically say negative things, creating negative innuendo.'' The story in question concerned a letter to the Queen suggesting that the Minister should get a lordship, then pointing out why he should not be given the honour.

But it was Mr. Edness's linking the article with the Opposition which has enraged Mr. Burchall. The Minister pointed out that the Times was owned by PLP candidate Dr. Ewart Brown and said that Mr. Burchall was Dr. Brown's campaign manager in Warwick East.

Mr. Burchall said: "The first statement was that I was a member of the PLP.

Mr. Frederick Wade pointed out that I am not a member of the his party. That is correct. I am not a member of the Progressive Labour Party.

"The second statement you made was that I am campaign manager for Dr. Ewart Brown.

"The position of campaign manager for a political candidate would, logically be held by a member of that candidate's party. Dr. Brown's campaign manager is a member of the PLP. I am not Dr. Brown's campaign manager.

"Perhaps when the House sits today, you will undo the damage that you are about to do yourself.

"I write as a writer -- an observer -- a commentator. I will continue to do so.

"And I will continue to write in my own style and to make those comments and observations that any writer in a free society is entitled to make.'' Copies of the letter were sent to the PLP leader Mr. Wade and UBP executive officer Mr. Joe Gibbons.

The Hon. Quinton Edness.