pulls of a surprise triumph at the US polls tomorrow.

They believe the Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan's friendship with the United States president is a huge boost for Bermuda.

But Progressive Labour Party leader Mr. Frederick Wade yesterday backed Democratic hopeful Mr. Bill Clinton.

And Opposition MP Mr. Ottiwell Simmons, the Bermuda Industrial Union president, agreed. He said 13 years of Republican rule under Messrs. Reagan and Bush had proved a massive flop.

National Liberal Party chief Mr. Gilbert Darrell, meanwhile, took a middle path: "If I was American I would vote for Clinton, but it's probably in our country's best interests if Bush won.'' The community's leaders spoke out as latest polls indicated a tight finish.

Mr. Clinton, however, appeared to be staving off a late challenge from Mr.

Bush.

His lead widened to between five and seven points, according to new polls of likely voters by ABC News and CNN, USA Today, and Gallup released yesterday.

With just two days to to the election, ABC said there was no statistical significance in the two-point gain for Mr. Clinton.

It said the results suggested it will be an extremely close race for the popular vote.

Minister of Management and Information Services the Hon. Michael Winfield, also Senate Leader, swayed towards Mr. Bush.

He said the Premier's friendship with Bush was vital in maintaining relations between the two countries.

"He has known Bush a long time, and has very close contacts with his administration.

"It could therefore be potentially very significant who wins the election.'' Sen. Winfield claimed Democrats tended to be nationalistic and "less inclined to support places like Bermuda''.

But he added: "Obviously we will deal with whoever is elected.'' Sen. Winfield said he believed the US's electoral college system may favour Mr. Clinton.

The United Bermuda Party's campaign chairman Mr. Ward Young supported Mr. Bush for his experience, grip on America, and understanding of the country's balance of payments deficit.

"I would go for experience. It's better the devil you know,'' he said.

Mr. Young said he was put off by Mr. Clinton's slick image.

"He is too well groomed, and rehearsed. It's almost as if you could wind him up and he will do the same thing on whatever stage you put him on.

"I think it's very important for Bermuda for Bush to win.'' Bank of Bermuda president Mr. Donald Lines believed the international business community would be happier with a Bush victory.

There were uncertainties surrounding Mr. Clinton -- despite his attempts to sound moderate.

Mr. Lines suggested the North American free trade treaty -- under which Bermuda has benefited -- could be threatened under Mr. Clinton.

With the markets in a volatile state, a Bush triumph would settle the jitters.

Independent Senator Joe Johnson said Bermuda would best be served by continuing its well-established relationship with the Republicans.

"If the Democrats got in a lot of hard work would have to be done to secure a new working relationship.'' He added: "From Bermuda's standpoint you have to be concerned about Clinton's policies on earnings of foreign operations for purposes of taxation.'' Sen. Johnson said a Clinton victory could also see America becoming protectionist.

"Trade barriers might be thrown up,'' he suggested.

Mr. Wade, however, said he personally backed Mr. Clinton's policies to jump start the spluttering American economy.

The Reagan and Bush years of "trickle down'' economics had seen extensive cutbacks, noticeably in health care.

Mr. Clinton's pledge to fight for jobs and boost the social programme was to be applauded, said Mr. Wade.

"Ideologically I support him,'' he added.

Mr. Wade stressed Bermuda's links with America were historical -- and did not hinge on relationships between the country's two leaders.

He added the PLP would be ready to work with either Republicans or Democrats, if elected to power.

Mr. Simmons was forthright in his support for Mr. Clinton, accusing the Republicans of taking America and the world for granted.

"They have made errors, both political and economic...the rest of the world is waiting for America to clear up its economic climate,'' he said.

Mr. Simmons added Mr. Clinton would be a "refreshing'' change after 13 years of Republican Government.

Opposition Senator Alex Scott last night also voiced support for Mr. Clinton, but he stressed the election outcome lay with the American people.