An Opposition MP has challenged his Government heavyweight rival to sign an "oath of integrity''.

Warwick West MP Dr. Ewart Brown threw down the challenge after veteran Government MP Quinton Edness hit out at his House of Assembly opponent and running mate Elvin James.

But Dr. Brown said Mr. Edness -- who also represents Warwick West -- had punched below the belt and should concentrate on issues, not personalities.

Dr. Brown added: "Mr. James and I are preparing this election campaign oath -- it's a code of conduct designed to keep candidates focussed on the issues and away from low-level politics.'' The PLP MP hit back after Mr. Edness slammed his two opponents in Warwick West in a newspaper report.

Mr. Edness accused Dr. Brown of being an "absentee MP'' and Mr. James -- originally from neighbouring Warwick East -- of not knowing the people of the constituency as well as he did.

Last night, Mr. Edness was unrepentant -- and said he did not have to prove his integrity to anyone.

And he called on Dr. Brown to "rectify his own situation'' and reject his US citizenship, which appears to disqualify him from being an MP, or "step aside''.

But Dr. Brown insisted: "I'm terribly disappointed in the negative manner in which Mr. Edness has chosen to kick off the United Bermuda Party Warwick West campaign.

"While Mr. James and I are anxious to discuss and debate the issues affecting the people of Warwick West, Mr. Edness appears preoccupied with addresses where candidates were born.'' And -- in a reference to Jamaican-born UBP candidate Sen. Yvette Swan -- Dr.

Brown said: "All the candidates in Warwick West except one were born in Bermuda and we don't think that that's a major issue.'' Dr. Brown added: "Mr. Edness, as a senior politician, should set the pace in this, his last campaign, by demonstrating his integrity.'' But Mr. Edness said: "Dr. Brown should think about the negative things he has said for a long time and now we have an Election -- when we're supposed to reveal the truth -- he wants people to sign this so-called code of integrity.'' And he stood by his statements about Dr. Brown, which accused him of spending too much time abroad and coming late to House sessions.

And Mr. Edness insisted: "Quality of representation is an issue. He can challenge all he wants -- I'm not interested in any challenges from Dr. Brown.

"Integrity is either something you have or you don't have. Nothing should stop you from speaking the truth.'' IMMIGRATION IMM