global wave of people anger signalled by the Democrats landslide in the United States.

Mr. Wade said Mr. Bill Clinton's poll victory marked worldwide dissatisfaction with political leaders.

Governments in the Bahamas and Guyana had been recently voted out of office, he added.

And he believed a similar political sea-change would occur in Bermuda.

"I think people everywhere blame the present leaderships for the recession,'' said Mr. Wade.

Mr. Wade was confident the PLP would forge a good relationship with the Democrats.

"We have many friends in the Democratic party, although not directly with Mr.

Clinton. I think we will be able to establish a good dialogue,'' he said.

Mr. Wade said Bermuda's ties with the United States did not hinge necessarily on friendship between the nations' leaders.

The countries had deep historical ties, which could not be broken by changes in Government.

Mr. Wade was optimistic Mr. Clinton could "jump-start'' the American economy -- if he pursued the policies he had been elected on.

But it would be up to 18 months before Bermuda would reap the benefits.

"There is always a time-lag between what occurs in America and over here. I feel optimistic because now we have someone in the White House who recognises there is a recession.

"I'm hopeful the forces at work in America will make Clinton do as he says he will do.'' Mr. Wade blew away suggestions Bermuda could suffer under Clinton -- and the North American tax treaty could be jeopardised.

"Mr. Clinton will have no interest in destroying our economy, or putting us to any unnecessary hardship.'' Mr. Wade also praised Mr. Ross Perot's election efforts which had captured around 19 percent of the popular vote.

"I think he did a service to America in helping people focus on the issues.'' READY -- Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade.