political parties traded eve-of-election blows.

Progressive Labour Party chiefs said St. George's had received nothing but "indecision and confusion'' from the United Bermuda Party.

And Shadow Tourism Minister Mr. David Allen and St George's North candidate Mr. Leon (Jimmy) Williams challenged their opponents to announce a clear policy.

But yesterday Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan repeated his guarantee the Old Town would get a ship next May.

And he attacked the Progressive Labour Party for turning the issue into a "political football''.

Sir John also received support from local shipping agent Mr. Llewellyn Peniston.

Mr. Peniston has been helping Carnival Cruise Lines with its offer of Tropicale -- one of two possible ships for St. George's.

He urged St. George's to trust Sir John, who had promised to give "fair hearings'' to both ship applications.

Controversy has blown up since last week's announcement by St. George's Mayor the Wor. Henry Hayward that Majesty Cruise Line's Royal Majesty was the ship.

Mr. Hayward said he had a "letter of intent'' from Boston-Bermuda Cruising Ltd. to provide a ship for St. George's.

When plans to send the Sally Albatross collapsed, the Royal Majesty was named as replacement.

But Sir John later said Mr. Hayward had jumped the gun and said there were legal questions which had to be carefully examined.

He explained the Tourism Minister -- after the election -- would have to decide on the ship for St. George's.

The choices were between Royal Majesty and Tropicale .

This is despite a statement by Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge's that he was not considering Tropicale .

Yesterday the PLP launched a fresh offensive over the issue.

Said Mr. Allen: "The people of St. George's deserve and require a clear and unambiguous policy on an East End cruise ship, something the PLP has been articulating as long ago as two years, when Mr. Woolridge was still refusing to concede the need for a fifth cruise ship, dedicated solely to St.

George's.'' Mr. Allen asked: Are UBP vested interests in cruise line representation among shipping agents in Bermuda creating conflicts of interest and causing the present indecision? Who are the shareholders in the Boston-Bermuda Cruise Line, and were their financial bona fides investigated by the potential permit-granter, the Department of Tourism? Is the real reason the Premier cannot presently give a definite answer on a cruise ship for St. George's simply that he is politicking and has no new ship firmly in hand? Is the Royal Majesty any better suited to the East End run than the ill-fated Sally Albatross Baltic ferry? Are the Premier and Tourism Minister fundamentally and irreconcilably divided on the choice of an East End cruise ship? Yesterday the Premier accused the Opposition of trying to make political capital out of the issue.

"The PLP is doing what it knows best -- criticising, dividing and confusing.

The only issue of importance about a dedicated St. George's cruise ship is that there will be a dedicated cruise ship.

"There is absolutely no argument on this. We are in fact in an enviable position.

"We refuse to be bullied by the PLP into turning this issue into a political football.

"We refuse to be bullied into reaching a decision based on politics, not on what is best for the people of St. George's.

Sir John said: "Government has the responsibility to examine all aspects of the matter, to ensure the legal parameters are all covered, the people of St.

George's and Bermuda are protected and there is long term viability in any proposal.'' The Hon. Sir John Swan.