Labour Party candidate Mr. Eugene Blakeney yesterday in a bid to end the election row about Opposition plans for disloyal Government officers.

The union officials said they were "amazed by the Premier's ramblings and untruths'' following Mr. Blakeney's comments about possibly pro-United Bermuda Party civil servants.

But Mr. Blakeney, general secretary of the Bermuda Public Services Association, was keeping a low profile.

He was on a "day off'' and not present to hear his president attack political "misinformation'' and misinterpretation of the remarks.

On Monday Mr. Blakeney told a public meeting public servants were supposed to be impartial and serve whatever Government was elected.

There could be "one or two'' who were too close to the UBP.

He added: "If in fact it's felt that they cannot be loyal, then obviously, our Leader, Brother Freddie, will do what he has to do.'' The Premier leapt on the comments, saying the PLP intended a "political loyalty test'' of civil servants and accusing Mr. Blakeney of being part of a "political conspiracy''.

BPSA president Mr. Stephen Emery told a press conference at union headquarters: "Over the past few days Mr. Blakeney's comments have been misconstrued and blown out of proportion for what appear to be political reasons.

"Mr. Blakeney was in fact praising all civil servants for the sterling job they do and at no time did he mention any `loyalty pledge'.

"He further explained that although all civil servants are expected to have their own political preferences, these preferences should be expressed in a Blakeney backed does not directly or indirectly compromise their impartiality as civil servants.

"It is correct our civil service is impartial, and we are aware that we have members of all political persuasions who serve the Government of the day, and this includes persons who head departments.'' Mr. Emery said Mr. Blakeney had referred to permanent secretaries or department heads, as "the real administrators of Government''.

"He then explained the extra loyalty required by such persons as they are the eyes, ears and right hand of the Minister to make sure the policies of the day are effectively and efficiently carried out.

"He also explained that they are the only posts that the Premier has a say in their appointment as the holders of such posts must have unstinting loyalty, even though their political preferences may be different.'' Mr. Blakeney could not be contacted for comment.