The Broadcasting Commission has rejected a complaint that Government commercials tagged 'ten strong years' were evidence of political bias.

The United Bermuda Party had called for the probe after alleging Government was using taxpayers' money to promote the Progressive Labour Party on the radio.

The Opposition took issue over Government adverts which ran in September ending with the tagline: "Fulfilling the destiny. Ten strong years". The UBP argued it was a "blatant endorsement of the PLP's ten years in power". At the time the UBP said if the PLP believed its years in power have been strong then it should have paid for that message, not taxpayers.

The Opposition had also complained that tagline had transformed an otherwise informational message about Government programmes into a political broadcast, defined under the Political Broadcast Directions as a broadcast that 'promotes the view or interests of a political party'.

However in a written response to the UBP, acting Broadcasting Commission chairman Ira Philip said the commercials had been factual and informative and had been properly broadcasted as Government information.

He added that while the 'Ten Strong Years' may imply a reference to the present 'Government' it was acceptable under current directions.

In response UBP chairman Michael Fahy said: "Whilst we do not necessarily agree with the decision of the Commission, the United Bermuda Party accepts the decision.

"It remains our role to ensure that the line between Government messages and political party messages does not become blurred and we will remain vigilant in this regard, especially as the by-election for Constituency 31 approaches."