accused yesterday of putting personal interests before those of the Island.

The attack came from Progressive Labour Party candidate Mr. Michael Scott, Mr.

Dodwell's election opponent in Southampton West.

Firing the opening shots in their battle, Mr. Scott targeted comments Mr.

Dodwell made earlier this week about cruise ships.

On Tuesday Mr. Dodwell said cruise ships were increasingly cutting into hotel profits. He warned there could soon be an over-supply of the "floating hotels''.

Mr. Scott said Mr. Dodwell had a "vested interest'' in protecting his hotel from competition.

His comments "once again illustrate how UBP candidates, MPs and ministers all too often put personal vested interests before the Island's national interest''.

Mr. Scott said he appreciated Mr. Dodwell was speaking as president of the Bermuda Hotel Association and owner of The Reefs hotel.

"But when making such statements he would be best advised not to lose sight of the fact that as a national candidate, his responsibility is to the wider public, which includes restaurant owners, shop owners, transportation services, small cruise boat operators and museums.'' Mr. Scott said Government had only agreed to a fifth cruise ship, earmarked for St. George's, after lobbying by the PLP and East Enders.

But Mr. Dodwell's "over-supply'' remark appeared to refer to the fifth ship.

"If this is an accurate assessment of his speech then it is in direct conflict with the Government's policy.'' Cruise ship operators poured millions of dollars into advertising their trips, bringing visitors to the Island.

"Surely it is time for the hoteliers of Bermuda to open their eyes to the opportunity regularly God-sent to our shores each week, namely the presence of five cruise ships and their passengers.'' Cruise visits gave hoteliers the perfect chance to introduce passengers to their properties, Mr. Scott added.

He called for promotional tours of properties and/or parties on hotel beaches, designed to entice passengers into becoming hotel guests on their next visit.

Mr. David Dodwell Mr. Michael Scott.