following speculation the Premier might not call a summer election because they were prone to be anti-Government.

Party executive officer Mr. Joe Gibbons said "so many factors are taken into account in the Premier's election decision that it would be wrong to say that if the vote is not held in the summer it is because of new voters.'' He said the party issued a press statement yesterday to counter what it deemed to be a negative impression created in a Royal Gazette story on Monday.

The story said the Premier would not likely call an election this month because polling information said first-time voters are "prone to vote against Government.'' The UBP statement said the party has a track record that has promoted and helped Bermuda's young.

"We are proud of the many achievements which young Bermudians have attained, both at home and abroad, and will continue to promote a policy of cooperation and assistance to ensure that Bermuda, through its young people, can achieve its full potential.

"Voters will remember that it was the United Bermuda Party which brought forward the legislation lowering the voting age to which Premier and Party leader Sir John Swan referred in his letter to all new voters which was sent out last August.'' The letter said the UBP had a "long-standing commitment to the young people of our Country. We recognise that sound educational opportunities and the success of our youth are vital to Bermuda's future.'' Mr. Gibbons listed accomplishments of Bermuda's young people, including the fact that more than 60 percent of high school graduates advanced to further education -- the highest rate in the world.

"More than $1 million is provided through Government scholarships and bursaries,'' he said. "This is an expensive investment for families and the country, an investment which will require more opportunities in the future.'' Other grants and contributions include more than $1 million given directly to youth, arts, sports and leadership training programmes.

"The role of the United Bermuda Party is not to make promises it cannot keep, nor to blindly seek a utopia which cannot be achieved,'' Mr. Gibbons said.

"It is to provide stability, partnership and opportunity so that all Bermudians, young and old, have the best which we can afford. We stand by our record.''