Tourism Minister following an out-of-the-blue attack by Mr. Ward Young, the United Bermuda Party's election campaign chairman.

"While I appreciate Mr. Young's sentiments,'' the Premier said, "I must point out that many of the things he is criticising for lack of action are either being done, have been done or have no basis in reality.

"We are trying to develop the European market as best we can within difficult economic circumstances.

"Because of current contractual obligations, we cannot move on a cruise ship specifically for St. George's before 1994.

"And we are working methodically to get these dormant hotel properties working. Solutions will be found.'' Mr. Young's statement was the latest in a flurry of criticisms this week directed at Tourism Minister the Hon. C.

V. (Jim) Woolridge.

On Monday, Opposition critic Mr. David Allen said the Tourism Ministry was missing a golden opportunity in failing to develop the European market.

His criticism was backed on Wednesday by Chamber of Commerce president Mr.

Louis Mowbray, who intimated the Minister's thinking was locked in the past and incapable of fostering necessary change.

That same day, Mr. Young criticised the Minister for stifling fresh thought on improving tourism.

Interviews with insiders yesterday acknowledged that the Minister's short temper with critics had become a problem to the free-flow of ideas. There was also some concern it was isolating him from potential allies.

"When Jim (Woolridge) gets on the defensive, he does a bad job,'' one observer said. "He looked bad on television the other night (answering critics). He looked to be on the defensive when there's no need for it.'' One insider also said Mr. Young's unusual attack -- which was triggered by the Minister's television performance -- was partly the product of personal animosity between him and the Minister.

"Jim and Ward don't strike it off,'' the insider said. "We're dealing with a political problem here. What happens when people play politics -- possibly trying to get Jim dumped -- is that they're going to do things that have no bearing on the facts.'' Mr. Woolridge yesterday said he was disappointed the UBP chairman would attack a Government minister.

"He is supposed to be a loyal supporter of the UBP,'' he said. He suggested there may be "method to his madness''. Mr. Woolridge will contest a UBP primary election in his constituency of Smith's South on October 1 against newcomers Dr. Grant Gibbons and Mr. Trevor Moniz.

When asked on Wednesday night whether his statement had any connection with the primary, Mr. Young said it hadn't entered his mind.

Sir John, in adding to his comments on the controversy, said he would be sitting down to talk with Mr. Young about his statement.

Also yesterday, long-time Tourism Board chairman Mr. Kirk Cooper defended the Department of Tourism's efforts to develop the European market -- the issue that became the flashpoint for this week's controversy.

He characterised criticisms of the European efforts as unfair. "It's been painted that that we've just turned a blind eye to this,'' he said. "I don't believe that's fair.'' Mr. Cooper said plans to increase European and UK business had been hampered by uncontrollable airline cutbacks and shifts and a restricted budget.

He said it was a Tourism policy objective to improve that business and that efforts would continue in that direction.

Planning for it began in the mid 1980s. And starting in 1988, officials projected annual increases of 10 percent from the UK and 20 percent out of Europe.

Those targets were met that year, but encountered the first of many problems in 1989 when British Airways switched Bermuda flights to Gatwick Airport from Heathrow. The change interrupted the free-flow of European visitors through to the Island.

Then in 1990 and 1991, BA severely cut back its Island flights from a high of six a week to the current two.

"You can't market an area unless you've got the (air) seats to back it up,'' Mr. Cooper said. "In the last two years, we've added to our efforts to ensure an alternative source of seats. We're close but we've got some more work to do.''