The United Bermuda Party's election candidates gathered en masse last night for a TV address, in a last-ditch bid to woo floating voters.

Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley kicked off the pre-recorded broadcast by re-capping on key policy pledges.

He then told viewers: "While we have stuck to the issues, our opponents have filled the air with invective and slurs, doing everything in their power to make people forget their record in office – years when the people of Bermuda came second to the government itself.

"Dr. Brown himself has dodged discussing the issues, including my challenge for an open debate. And he has failed to come clean on the BHC scandal, where public money – millions of dollars of your money – went missing, money that was to be used to house families in need. Tomorrow many of you will go to the polls. You should take all this into consideration when you cast your vote.

"When you vote, also know that the United Bermuda Party will put you first, that as your government we will be there to serve you. That's not been the case these past years."

Deputy Leader Patricia Gordon-Pamplin told viewers: "It's up to you to make that decision for something better. No one else need be involved in that decision. It's yours and yours alone to make. No one need know how you voted, because what happens in that voting booth is your business. Vote with your conscience. Vote for a better Bermuda."

Each one of the party candidates then issued a brief message setting out their personal pledges.

Shortly afterwards, the chairmen of the PLP and UBP went head to head in a TV debate.

Quizzed on the key issues by ZBM anchorman Gary Moreno, PLP chairman David Burt distanced himself from controversial comments made on December 10 by its St. David's candidate Lovitta Foggo, who warned that a vote for the UBP is a vote for blacks to be enslaved.

In an emotionally charged speech at St. George's Cricket Club, Ms Foggo alleged: "A UBP vote is a vote back to the plantation. It is a vote that will return the shackles to our feet!"

Mr. Burt said last night: "Sometimes it's unfortunate that a metaphorical statement can be taken out of context."

He stressed the need to address unequal treatment of blacks in the workplace through proposed Workforce Equity legislation. Then, returning to the slavery allegation, he reiterated: "The statement was unfortunate, yes, but under this government people are feeling a sense of empowerment."

The two chairmen engaged in lively exchanges on topics ranging from healthcare to the BHC scandal. Asked if there was any policy point they admired from the other's platform, Mr. Crockwell said he was glad the PLP pledged free day care too - but was concerned how they would fund it. Mr. Burt praised the UBP for highlighting education reform as a key issue, as has the PLP.