A Government MP yesterday tossed verbal gasoline on a fiery war of words with his Opposition rival.

Government MP Quinton Edness called a proposed "oath of integrity'' by Warwick West MP Dr. Ewart Brown "quite laughable'' and stated: "You either have integrity, or you don't.'' Dr. Brown recently challenged politicians to sign an election campaign code of conduct which he said was geared toward keeping candidates focused on issues instead of "low-level politics''.

But Mr. Edness suggested that the oath of integrity proposed by Dr. Brown amounted to a "gag-order'' intended to protect Dr. Brown from having his conduct scrutinised.

And he said Dr. Brown owed it to his constituency to address the "very serious allegations'' reported in The Royal Gazette last month regarding Dr.

Brown's alleged mistreatment of his employees.

"He never cleared up that issue, saying whether it was correct or incorrect...does he really treat Bermudians the way he says he does?'' Mr.

Edness said.

He also commented that Dr. Brown was operating "against the ethics of the medical society in Bermuda'' by advertising the services offered by his health care facility.

And he mentioned the ongoing debate as to whether Dr. Brown should be allowed to keep his seat in Parliament because of his dual citizenship.

But Dr. Brown responded to the comments by Mr. Edness by stating: "It appears that Mr. Edness, who has a long history of questionable conduct in Warwick, is not going to sign the code of conduct.''