Opposition Leader Jennifer Smith yesterday hit back after Premier Pamela Gordon accused the Progressive Labour Party of hiding its agenda from the public.

Ms Gordon went on the offensive after Ms Smith attacked Government `blue book' five year plan for the future, issued just weeks before the likely date for a General Election.

She accused the PLP of "hiding behind inaction, empty attacks and insults'' and of indulging in "empty rhetoric and mindless criticism.'' And she challenged the PLP to put up or shut up -- by publishing their own blueprint so the public could judge respective merits.

Ms Gordon said the PLP failed to understand the potential risks to Bermuda of instability in the global economy and had failed to learn from previous mistakes.

But Ms Smith said: "I read the article with great humour -- here is the Premier criticising us for using slogans when she is making up playground rhymes.'' And she added Ms Gordon's "temper tantrums in the face of sound criticism does not bode well for Bermuda''.

Ms Smith could not be reached for comment before the article appeared in Monday's Royal Gazette and Deputy Leader Eugene Cox declined to comment.

But yesterday she said the UBP had only produced two manifestos -- one for the last General Election in 1993 and one for the upcoming contest.

Ms Smith added: "The PLP has fought every election since 1963 to now on the basis of our party platform.

"It's our policy to always declare what our position is and its an astute policy.'' Ms Smith added that Government had played down talk of a housing crisis in April -- but last month announced a multi-million dollar plan to build 100 new homes.

"What happened between April and September and on what basis have they established 100 new houses as the magic figure,'' she asked.

And Ms Smith insisted: "Until the Premier calls the date, this party will continue to fulfill its Constitutional role as watchdog.''