Moves to create an official residence for the Premier is an important step that will make Bermuda more democratic, Opposition leader Jennifer Smith said yesterday.

Ms Smith made this statement in response to reports that Government will create a residence for the Premier using a dwelling that is already within Government's present stock of homes.

The decision to create the residence came after Police informed current Premier Pamela Gordon that her home on Victoria Street in Hamilton could not be made secure.

Meanwhile, Ms Smith said the PLP was fully supportive of the plans to create an official residence for the Premier.

"I think that this is another move that shows that we are reaching a point where anyone can aspire to be Premier,'' she said.

"The reason why Bermuda does not have a (Premier's residence) is that in the past leaders of the country have had the private means to entertain visiting dignitaries.

"They were wealthy enough to do these kinds of things in their own homes and it meant that any prospective leader had to have the means.

"But what was overlooked at that time was the possibility of there being a Premier who was not wealthy and the owner of a residence suitable for a person in that position.'' Ms Smith said that Camden -- the Premier's official residence that is used for formal entertainment and receptions -- was a move in the right direction but it was unsuitable as a home.

Overall Ms Smith said that she was happy to see such things as the increase in MP's salaries because this took into account the changes in the makeup of Parliament.

"In the past only those with the means could serve,'' she added, "and this excluded other Bermudians.

"I see this as another move toward the democratisation of the position. No longer will it be just the person with private means who can aspire to the position of Premier.'' Ms Smith said the current situation involving Premier Gordon's housing was not one that the Government could have foreseen given the way the process has operated so far.

"I do agree that this home should not involve any large Government expense because Government already owns a large number of homes.

"And I am sure that among the houses already owned and maintained by Government there is a suitable residence. It's just a matter of identifying one as the residence of the Premier.'' Jennifer Smith