seen the light of day.

But this is not a perfect world and the advertisement, published in this newspaper in the run-up to last November's General Election, showed the dreadlocked Mr. Robinson in what appeared to be a target underneath the title, "Jennifer's choice for Finance Minister'' and asked "Do you want this man to broaden the tax base?'' The man who placed the ad, advertising executive Colin (Dusty) Hind, tried last week to make amends for the hurt he had caused. Mr. Robinson refused Mr.

Hind's apology and slightly patronising peace offering, saying he wanted to know the names of the "Friends of Pam'' on whose behalf Mr. Hind had placed the advertisement.

Mr. Hind refused, saying he had given his word that he would not identify the sponsors.

Mr. Robinson may have a point when he says that Mr. Hind cannot refuse to name names on ethical grounds if the ad itself was unethical. And he is right to brand the group as cowards for not coming forward.

At the same time, two wrongs do not make a right: naming names could be seen as the easy way out for Mr. Hind, who could then pass the blame on, breaking his word in the process. To be sure, Mr. Hind had the opportunity to refuse to place the ad or to reject the concept. That he did not is to his shame and he will no doubt carry the mistake to his grave. Mr. Hind of course leaves himself open to the suspicion that he is in fact "the Friends of Pam'' and that there are no backers, but this seems unlikely.

And United Bermuda Party MP Trevor Moniz is right when he says that this ad did Mr. Robinson more good than harm; with friends like that, then-Premier Pamela Gordon did not need any enemies to lose the Election.

But Mr. Robinson's demands leave him open to criticism as well. One year after the event, he could set an example of forgiveness and could take the high road by letting Mr. Hind off the hook.

There is room when wrong has been done for reconciliation; that is at the heart of the open and compassionate society that Bermuda can and should become.

That does not mean that Mr. Robinson should not make his case that those responsible for the advertisement should stand up and be counted. He should do so, and he should do it loud and clear.

But he has the opportunity, as a Member of Parliament, to set an example of reconciliation which people of all races and ethnic backgrounds would applaud if he said now that Mr. Hind has done enough penance.