Pressure is building for a short-notice showdown between Premier Pamela Gordon and Opposition leader Jennifer Smith.

And United Bermuda Party campaign committee chairman Michael Winfield said: "We are of the opinion that this should be a simple and quick process.

"We hold that the Bermudian people deserve to have a dignified debate where the issues of this Country can be discussed by the Premier and Ms Smith.

"We are ready now and see no reason to delay this debate.'' Mr. Winfield was speaking after Calvin Smith, Opposition Progressive Labour Party campaign committee chairman, said this week that a two-week time-frame to set up the TV head-to-head between the two leaders was unrealistic.

And he said the Opposition would not be stampeded into the debate, or risk being "used as a piece of United Bermuda Party propaganda.'' But Mr. Winfield said he was "surprised'' at the PLPs position on timing.

He added: "I thought that negotiations for the debate were moving along nicely.'' Mr. Winfield said he had been in touch with Mr. Smith, outlining ideas on the debate's format, venue and timing. But he added: "Rather than receiving the expected letter in response, we read an entirely different message on the front page of the newspaper.'' But last night Ms Smith hit back and said the UBP should name the date for the General Election -- then hold debates.

She added: "We in the Progressive Labour Party look forward to the cut and thrust of a real General Election campaign which truly addresses the issues.''