last night by portraying himself as one of the architects of Bermuda's "wonderful community'' and quality tourism product.

Mr. Woolridge, Minister for Tourism, told members of the United Bermuda Party in his Smith's South constituency of praise from academics and foreign politicians for Bermuda's tourism policies.

But his challenger, "new breed'' hopeful Dr. Grant Gibbons, called for greater accountability in the ruling party, which he said had come dangerously close to losing touch with its voters.

He said Bermuda had to innovate and be more "customer-driven'' in tourism.

"What has worked for us many years ago doesn't work as well now,'' he said.

Adopted candidate Mr. Trevor Moniz spoke of his passion for the plight of long-term Portuguese, English and West Indian residents, and called for justice for "the little man, the man in the street''.

The three men were outlining their platforms at a meeting at Harrington Sound School, before Thursday's primary election to decide the party's candidates in the general election.

Mr. Woolridge told the 100-strong audience there was no quick-fix solution to Bermuda's economic woes. But he gave an optimistic picture, saying the Island's performance would by the end of the year would be about 4.5 percent down.

This did not make him elated, he said, but "we've had more than half a loaf of bread.'' Labour unrest and the economic "depression'' had affected tourism, but Bermuda had done better than most destinations, he said.

He denied the Island was too expensive, and highlighted the Government's anti-pollution policy as a major achievement.

He called on local news media to be responsible. Young people would not love Bermuda or themselves if there was "tourist-bashing'' in the media, he said.

Dr. Gibbons, managing director of Gibbons Company, compared the UBP today with his company five years ago, when it was "drifting''. The firm had gone back to basics, found out what customers wanted, and taken some drastic measures.

"Well-managed change is what keeps my business alive,'' he said. "And I believe that well-managed change will keep Bermuda prosperous.'' He called for more authority and more accountability for school principals, and the publishing of school results so parents could compare them with international standards.

Mr. Moniz told how he built up his law firm from nothing and believed in dealing with people as individuals. On the issue of long-term residents told to leave, he said he was angry about statements about "policy''. "I'm not interested in policy, I'm interested in people,'' he said.

The most pressing issue facing the Island was labour relations, he said, and new laws were needed despite the BIU's opposition.

There was an embarrassing moment for Dr. Gibbons during a debate on immigration, when Mr. Moniz said it was "becoming very popular among the crowd of people like Grant to have a Filipino maid''.

Dr. Gibbons said he and his wife both worked, and had no extended family to help care for their two children. This was why they had a maid.