charges it made earlier this month that Bermuda was bankrupt and had a history of failures.

The Opposition's allegations were an affront to all Bermudians, Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan said in a statement yesterday.

Since making the charge, the PLP had "fallen silent'', Sir John said.

"The reason is obvious. The charge that Bermuda is bankrupt is false.'' The Progressive Labour Party had charged it would "be inheriting a bankrupt country'' while announcing its campaign theme was "X-change them''.

Sir John countered: "The proof that these charges are false is simple. The fact is that the PLP itself has, in recent months, tried to reassure Bermuda's business community that, if elected, they will make no significant changes.

"The PLP charges are an affront to all Bermudians. Bermudians who have worked hard to make this Island grow and prosper in the face of a worldwide recession. Bermudians deserve better.

"Bermudians do not need to be attacked by one of their own political parties.

Such blatant political attacks are unpatriotic and do us all harm as we struggle to put the recession behind us. The PLP's attacks also put the future at risk.'' Sir John Swan.