ubtle it wasn?t. But judging from the regular and sustained applause, Alex Scott?s blockbusting address to PLP delegates could well have put him on course to edging out his challenger Ewart Brown on Friday.

Speaking to the party faithful, whose average age made it look like they would regard 60-year-old Dr. Brown as a dangerous young whippersnapper, Mr. Scott pushed every single button in a 40-minute speech which had more than a few swipes at this challenger.

While his claim that the ?eyes of the world were upon us? was pure Alex Scott hyperbole, his characterisation of the gathering as something of ?an Presidential election conference? drew a knowing laugh from Ren?e Webb.

It was the first in a serious of ill-disguised jabs at Dr. Brown?s weak points.

It didn?t always make sense. Keen to urge unity Mr. Scott said the party had been quick to resolve its divisions after the 2003 split. But shortly after he admitted three-year wounds had been reopened.

Praising past party heroes he was careful to point out that David Allen had started negotiating with JetBlue in New York and Washington before his death. The obvious attempt to remove some of the glory from Dr. Brown?s achievements in bringing more airlines prompted a laugh from the challenger who had a front row seat as his potential nemesis roared on.

Dr. Brown was forced into a wry smile when Mr. Scott said tourism wasn?t something that had suddenly turned. It had taken eight year?s hard work, while Mr. Scott also pointed out that the Africa Diaspora Trail was Mr. Allen?s brain child.

While detractors went unnamed it was clear the attack on claims suggesting the PLP ?is a do-nothing, low achievement Government? were a swipe at Julian Hall who veered between looking uncomfortable and leading applause.

But Mr. Scott never looked anything other than in command as he coaxed laughter and clapping from a mostly appreciative audience.

Growing in confidence he even teased the audience about his departure date.

?Three years isn?t a long time. Give me another year, or two or hell three.?

But appearances can be deceiving and even Dr. Brown looked like one of Mr. Scott?s keenest supporters as he made a show of applauding bits which weren?t thinly veiled personal attacks.

However his supporters Randy Horton and Wayne Perinchief looked like they were facing a firing squad as the Premier wrapped up his speech to a standing ovation.

After the session some delegates believed Mr. Scott had proved he still had what it takes to see off the challenge.

But wiser heads pointed out that Dr. Brown is no slouch at oratory and could turn the tables when he gets equal billing tomorrow night.

And some delegates were just plain angry. Brown supporter Laverne Furbert said: ?It was awful ? an election speech. I expected the Premier?s message to be about what the party had done in the last year. Not to attack Dr. Brown. He was out of order.?