Opposition spokeswoman for the elderly Louise Jackson yesterday accused the Progressive Labour Party of taking advantage of seniors for political gain.

Mrs. Jackson said the PLP's healthcare programme in its manifesto had no detail and was not thought through.

"The healthcare programme announced by the PLP this week amounts to nothing less than a gross manipulation of Bermuda's seniors for political gain," Mrs. Jackson told a press conference.

"And any sensible person knows it would be financially impossible. We calculate the PLP's scheme would cost $65 million a year.

"Former Health Minister Patrice Minors could not explain how this programme would work when asked about it this week.

"In promising something they know they cannot deliver, the PLP have chosen to cynically play on the fears of seniors and their families to win this election. They should be ashamed of themselves.

"The United Bermuda Party has a well thought out plan that will work. We all agree, the Health Insurance Programme could be dramatically improved because many seniors lose their major medical insurance when they retire."

The PLP's manifesto states: "The PLP Government believes that a fair society is one that takes care of the needs of all.

"A key policy of the PLP Government is "PLP Future Care". The PLP Government is determined to do something about the needs of the uninsured.

"The immediate needs of our seniors will be dealt with by a new insurance product that meets the needs of our seniors."

Unveiling the manifesto last week, Premier Ewart Brown said: "Future Care will provide comprehensive health insurance coverage beyond what is currently offered by HIP for seniors aged 65 and above.

"Future Care will ensure easy access to effective, safe and affordable health care coverage at a time when it's needed most.

"The Future Care fund will be established with contributions from employers and from employed adults, aged 20 to 64.

"We are confident that Future Care will represent one of the most progressive initiatives ever undertaken by a Bermudian Government. A PLP Government will introduce Future Care in the next year."

Dr. Brown did not put a price on the Future Care scheme.