Labour Party, claiming its proposals for the economy lacked substance and could cost taxpayers dear.

Backed by Finance Minister Grant Gibbons, a four-strong team of candidates, peppered the PLP for a lack of understanding and their manifesto for its lack of detail.

He cited the Government's record on jobs and business and said the UBP's plan meant a foundation leading to jobs, opportunities and growth for Bermudians.

"Our sound financial management, understanding of the complex, yet fragile economy of Bermuda, combined with our expertise in the world marketplace positions us to guide the Island through the risks and to seize the opportunities that will come our way.'' E.T. (Bob) Richards outlined plans to train Bermudians in information technology and to exploit e-commerce in a proper legislative framework.

But the Warwick East candidate slammed the PLP's version as "already 20 years old''.

Allan Marshall, a Senator with Mr. Richards in the last Parliament, cited proposals for the small businessman, such as the Small Business Initiative which aims to provide financial support for those Bermudians who want to start their own businesses.

"Never in our history has their been such a commitment to small businesses and in fact to opportunity and development in general,'' he said.

The Smith's North candidate questioned how the PLP were going to carry out its plans and asked what their pledges actually meant in practice.

"They say they will study the implementation of a National Unemployment Insurance. My question is who is going to pay for it? The employee? Or will the employer also be hit with additional taxes,'' he said.

"Their solutions to small businesses are a handout instead of a hand up. That is not what I believe the majority of small business owners want or what Bermudians want to pay for.'' The press conference also heard from Mr. Marshall's running mate Cole Simons, who spoke of Bermuda's standing in the international business world.

He attacked the PLP manifesto, saying it merely endorsed the policies and management already put in place by the UBP.

And St. George's North candidate Bob Stewart added his voice, saying their manifesto said very little and recommended plans that were existing under the UBP.

"They can say all they want, but without effective policies being proposed and without affordability, they are just pie in the sky.'' Election focus: Page 2 Editorial: Page 4