are and ought to be a source of great concern. Well run countries must adhere to certain high standards and principles of conduct. They must be efficient and they must be seen to be clean.

Political parties which violate standards which the people see as desirable first bring themselves into disrepute and then have a negative impact on the entire country.

Being a politician or a political party does not only mean passing laws and winning elections. There is a much broader duty to take the high road in ethical and moral behaviour; to lead by good example. Indeed that duty is much more important than political power.

The world is littered with examples of leaders who can win and govern but whose leadership has led to national degredation and tragedy. We have always believed that Bermuda was led by people of whatever political stripe who cared about overall good and who intended to have a sound Bermuda under the rule of God and the law.

Today we are not so sure.

If politicians set an undesirable standard for the Country, they say to the people that poor behaviour is acceptable and will be overlooked. It does not take long for that kind of erosion to become a national problem.

In small countries like Bermuda bad decisions and poor behaviour are much more visible than in larger places. Because of that fact Bermudians have to be constantly on guard. The political parties have lost their moral authority. In recent weeks it has been very painful to hear sensible people refer to Bermuda as a Banana Republic and to listen as people have referred to some recent decisions as corrupt and immoral. It is difficult and depressing to know that many people now believe that recent events have led to politicians being above the functioning of the law and that no matter what their transgressions they will be defended by their colleagues. It is very sad to realise that political expediency has become the top priority in place of doing the right thing.

Political functioning has even become more important than what is best for Bermuda. Today a great many people, not only Bermudians but residents here who provide us with a good living, are very shaken. They are concerned and deeply fearful of what thoroughly misguided recent decisions mean for the future of this Country.

The examples set by Government and the Opposition during the going of Commissioner Colin Coxall and the conviction of the Rev. Trevor Woolridge have caused nothing short of a deep crisis of confidence. People are confused. They do not know where to turn or where to seek solutions.

They see standards of behaviour being set which can only lead to a bleak future. People are angry and deeply hurt because they feel their confidence in Bermuda's leadership has been misplaced.