Alex Scott's controversial claims that the UBP was "too close'' to organised crime were still dominating party agendas last night -- on the last day of election campaigning.

Finance Minister Dr. Grant Gibbons said it was "amazing'' that Mr. Scott was standing by his statements, reported in Friday's Royal Gazette .

He said the episode proved a PLP Government would represent a "gamble with over $740 million in international business spending''. Deputy Opposition Leader and Shadow Finance Minister Eugene Cox countered by claiming the UBP had based its campaign on "fear and intimidation''.

He told The Royal Gazette : "In their impending defeat at the polls -- soon to be unleashed -- the UBP have come up with an almost unprecedented campaign of fear and intimidation against the Bermudian people.

"It's almost like when you are at war. The country that's losing will scorch the earth. Bermudians are not going to stand for it and it's going to get the kind of result that it deserves.'' The PLP also condemned Home Affairs Minister Maxwell Burgess for a "vicious allegation'' and a "preposterous statement'' for saying one of Mr. Scott's homes was targeted in the crack house clampdown.

And Opposition spokesman Corey Butterfield denied Dr. Gibbons' PLP business claims, saying: "The Progressive Labour Party sees no reason for anyone to be apprehensive in the face of such threats''.

The cross-party furore was sparked after Mr. Scott claimed the PLP was better equipped to track down drug traffickers because top UBP supporters were "unwittingly'' caught up in the narcotics trade through their business ties.

Dr. Gibbons said: "It was amazing enough that Mr. Scott said what he did when he did but it is even more amazing and more dangerous to our reputation that he is now `standing by his statements'.

"Once again, it appears to be Mr. Scott and the PLP leadership at odds with the rest of Bermuda.

"I have said it before, but Mr. Scott's comments require me to say it again.

The PLP and the people of Bermuda cannot count on a UBP economy if the UBP is not the government. It is that simple.'' He said figures for 1997 showed international business spent more than $740 million in Bermuda, with their visitors contributing an extra $19 million.

"These businesses are directly and indirectly responsible for over 13,000 jobs,'' added Dr. Gibbons.

"Eighty percent of this expenditure comes from international businesses that have an office and employ people, the majority of whom are Bermudians, in Bermuda.

"This is what is at stake if a loss of confidence hits our international business community.'' PLP public relations officer Mr. Butterfield added that Dr. Gibbons' statement included "unedited lines from his party's scurrilous campaign commercials''.

In a Press release, he promised a PLP Government would "maintain and improve a business friendly environment''.

He confirmed a National Tripartite Commission would become a "key instrument'' in forming economic and social policy, forging new links between business, labour and Government.

And referring to Mr. Scott's comments, he said: "The Progressive Labour Party will fight crime wherever it finds it, from Front Street to Court Street.

"The investigation and prosecution of crime under a Progressive Labour Party Government will be colour blind.'' Container shipping lines on the offensive: Page 2