ERROR RG P4 13.3.1998 House of Assembly Speaker Ernest DeCouto wishes to make it clear that he relinquished his UBP membership and makes impartial decisions on split votes after a story in Monday's Royal Gazette said Government could count on his support.

Top activists for the United Bermuda Party Government have made their first public criticism of defector MP Grace Bell.

A statement from the UBP's executive officer Oliver Bain questioned the timing of Mrs. Bell's switch to the Opposition benches -- two days after Premier Pamela Gordon unveiled her new Cabinet team to fight the election.

In dramatic scenes, Mrs. Bell stunned Bermuda politics when she crossed the floor of the House of Assembly to sit with her new colleagues in the Progressive Labour Party on Friday.

Her audacious move reduced Government's majority to just one seat, although they also count the support of Speaker Ernest DeCouto.

The UBP statement said: "We regret Mrs. Bell's decision and we respect the right of any individual to exercise their political choice.

"However, the timing of this move is very strange for at least two reasons.

"First, all Bermudians appreciate that Premier Gordon's leadership has made the concerns of working families her highest priority.

"The very significant changes in both Cabinet and in the Government structure are clear demonstrations that the United Bermuda Party Government is carrying out today the kind of agenda that Mrs. Bell is hoping for tomorrow.'' "Mrs. Bell has frequently voiced support for the Premier and her team's agenda.

"Second, we note that it was not too long ago that the PLP was sharply critical of Mrs. Bell. We nevertheless wish her well in whatever way the PLP uses her.'' Mrs. Bell, an MP in the marginal St. George's South constituency since 1985, said her decision to join the PLP followed years of soul-searching.

She added: "It is hoped the voters of St. George's South and the voters as a whole will appreciate that this is consistent with my belief that Bermuda would be better served with the new Progressive Labour Party.'' A separate statement from UBP Chairman Ronald Viera criticised the Opposition Leader's response to last week's Cabinet reshuffle.

And it claimed Jennifer Smith was hearing "the sound of the future passing her by''.

The statement added: "The United Bermuda Party wholeheartedly commends our Premier and leader for the strength of vision she has shown in the dramatic and historic changes in both Cabinet and in Government itself.

"These exciting changes are truly breathtaking and we understand why the Opposition Leader would `gasp'. What the Opposition Leader heard once again was the sound of the future passing her by.'' The statement went on to accuse Ms Smith, who condemned the latest Cabinet team for a lack of experience, of "personal vitriol'' in her reaction.

And Ms Smith was accused of "negative campaigning and unpleasant, unnecessary and unconstructive rhetoric''.

"The PLP are clearly set on dividing this community,'' added the statement.

"We abhor the policies of division shown in almost every action of the Opposition.''