David Allen, accusing him of scandalmongering and of abusing his position of privilege as a Member of Parliament.

The Premier's broadside came as the House was preparing to rise and was in reaction to statements by Mr. Allen, who had earlier accused Ms Gordon of a conflict of interest over her association as a financial controller with the St. George's Club.

The Progressive Labour Party tourism critic then turned his rhetorical guns against the Minister of Tourism, David Dodwell, accusing him of misleading the House over statements he made regarding Carnival Cruise Lines interest in sailing to the Island, not to mention a conflict of interest as a hotelier.

"I think it is most unfortunate that we have members in the House who use their position of privilege to bring forward scandalous accusations,'' Ms Gordon told the House moments before it adjourned for the day.

Shadow Minister draws Premier's fire The Premier -- who has worked for the east-end club for 14 years -- nevertheless attempted to clarify her position with the club, telling Members she has not been the financial controller there for at least seven years.

Since becoming a Government minister she has been working part-time, dealing with escrow accounts only and has not been at the club since May 6.

"When I accepted the Premiership I made it clear I would not be able to continue working there, not because of a conflict of interest, but because of time. The club meanwhile is in the process of filling Ms Gordon's position.

But Mr. Allen last night told The Royal Gazette he stood by his statements against the Southampton West team of Gordon and Dodwell.

And he continued to allege Mr. Dodwell was "well aware'' of Carnival's interest in sailing to Bermuda before the new Cruise Ship Policy was promulgated in the House, two weeks ago.

Yet Mr. Dodwell had "allowed an inference to be drawn'' that he only heard of it at the 11th hour, said Mr. Allen.

Mr. Dodwell however says he has been completely upfront with regards to Carnival and has stated in the House that while representation had been made by Carnival, nothing in writing had been received until the day prior to the cruise ship policy debate: "I have the letter to prove it,'' said Mr.

Dodwell.

As for the Premier said Mr. Allen, "It's hard to believe she's put herself into the firing line with her unfortunate involvement (with the St. George's Club).'' Regardless of her status -- full time or part time -- Ms Gordon must still have a pecuniary interest with the club, "unless she's working for free,'' said Mr. Allen.

"Ministers'' he said, "must not only be beyond reproach, but must be seen to be beyond reproach. That's why the PLP has taken the position that full-time Ministers will be paid Ministers.''