Premier Ewart Brown was last night accused of being "divisive and nasty" after Progressive Labour Party supporters received an e-mail claiming the Opposition was intent on putting "old power brokers" back in charge.

The accusation was made in a message from PLP headquarters which bore Dr. Brown's name as sender but which — according to his press secretary Glenn Jones — he did not personally write.

The email called on recipients to vote for the PLP and sign up to help the party's campaign to win the December 18 General Election.

It contained a paragraph which read: "The long knives of the opposition are out. Along with their willing accomplices in the media, they will do everything they can to put old power brokers back in charge.

"But, the truth is, the old UBP power elites no longer control Bermuda — the people are in charge. And, we, the people have an obligation to keep government working for you — not for the old elites."

The email ended: "Sincerely, Ewart Brown, Party Leader."

United Bermuda Party Leader Michael Dunkley said the Premier's descriptions of the Opposition were "cheap stereotyping that has nothing to do with the United Bermuda Party in 2007".

He added: "The Premier's rhetoric remains divisive and nasty. His aggressive negativity is designed to distract attention from the Government's poor record in key areas such as housing, education and ethics.

"It is the type of rhetoric that does nothing to move Bermuda forward.

"It does nothing to bring people together. It is not the kind of leadership Bermuda needs."

Mr. Dunkley said the UBP was a party featuring diverse members from all walks of life carrying a message of hope, not hate.

"Just look at our team picture on the UBP website," he said. "And then look at our plans for building homes for affordable rent, for giving our children better education and for helping our seniors. That's what the people want to hear. Not the divisive, nasty rhetoric the Premier carries in him during this election."

Mr. Jones said the message was a "party e-mail". "The Premier didn't sit at a computer and write it," he said, adding that Dr. Brown had no comment to make on its contents.

The email said the PLP had instituted geared-to-income housing, was making changes to the public education system, had presided over a growing economy, helped fuel a tourism turnaround and was taking steps to fight discrimination in the workplace.