A UBP government would consider scrapping the fast ferries deal to help fund its policies - including an ambitious anti-crime offensive.

The contract for two extra fast ferries was signed recently by the Progressive Labour Party Government.

But yesterday two UBP election candidates said cancelling the deal would save millions of dollars and help pay for more Policemen on the streets, additional drug sniffer dogs and Ion scanners at ports.

At a Press conference, Mark Pettingill and Shadow Labour and Home Affairs Minister Pat Gordon-Pamplin said the public purse needed to be “prioritised” better to combat crime.

Said Mr. Pettingill: “The ferries is the big issue. Education is crying out for that money, crime is crying out for that money, housing is crying out for that money, and seniors is crying for that money. But it seems the PLP is more interested in getting people across the harbour quicker.”

Ms Gordon-Pamplin said: “If we find tons of money for ferries, if we find tons of money for cars, and if we find tons of money to finish the National Stadium, we can better prioritise.

“But we are not going to cut back on education, housing or our seniors. We feel that effective planning will show us where the money is.”

Ms Gordon-Pamplin accepted she did not know enough about the details of the ferry contract to decide whether it could be cancelled.

“If the contract has reached the point where it cannot be negotiated out of, then we would have to go ahead. But it will be looked at. However, we certainly know the money is there, if used properly.”

Mr. Pettingill and Ms Gordon-Pamplin outlined more details on the UBP plan to fight back against crime. If elected, the party would substantially increase prison terms, so that life meant life on capital crimes and repeat and sexual offenders were jailed for longer, they said.

On drugs, Mr. Pettingill said the UBP would take a different approach to the PLP by cracking down on both big importers and small street sellers.

Minister for Labour and Home Affairs Terry Lister also said the PLP's main thrust was on drug interdiction, but he said it believed focussing on the ports of entry was the way to do it. However, he said the Force was up to strength and had sufficient officers.

Mr. Lister said he supported prisoners being given at least nine-month sentences so that they could complete rehab programmes.

However, he said he did not agree with the call for longer sentences in general.

“We need sentences that ensure we can get corrective behaviour in place. We should do away with three and six month sentences.

“They are no use to anybody. While I do not support longer sentences, I'm opposed to shorter sentences.”