Premier Pamela Gordon yesterday scoffed at the PLP's thinly-veiled call for an early election.

But she gave no hint when she will fire the election starting pistol.

"The PLP would like to see a quick election because any plan they finally release after all these years will appeal to emotion and not to substance,'' she told the House of Assembly.

"They will prefer not to have their schemes `costed out' or carefully considered. As always, they will prefer to campaign on slogans not facts.'' Ms Gordon defended her Government's track record in a heated war of words with Opposition Leader Jennifer Smith.

She was responding to an advert in yesterday's Royal Gazette by the PLP in which the Opposition Leader claimed the Premier was facing a political crisis.

In an open letter to `fellow Bermudians', Ms Smith said: "Our country should not be made to suffer one day longer under the rule of a regime which is clearly clutching at any straw to remain in power.'' But Ms Gordon hit back: "The Opposition is spending a great deal of time and money in criticism and in making inaccurate, misleading statements,'' she said.

"They seek to create a cloud of negativity and confusion. The Opposition has been telling us that they can make it happen. The truth is it's already happening. Bermuda is indeed poised for genuine and meaningful change and it is the UBP and its leadership that are providing it.

"All of the meaningful social and political changes in Bermuda have come -- and will continue to unfold -- under the leadership of the UBP.

"If there was any history made last week it was the announcement of the superb new Cabinet and Government reorganisation. What we delivered was thoughtful substance. The Opposition delivered instant criticism.

"No party is more committed to social justice and opportunity than we are.

More importantly our team has put its words into actions. In the nearly five years since the last election the PLP has produced no clear, specific plans and no workable alternatives that Bermudians could afford. Year after year however the UBP has tabled fair budgets and responsible legislation.

"The PLP would like to see a quick election because any plan they finally release after all these years will appeal to emotion and not substance. They would prefer not to have their schemes costed out or carefully considered. As always, they will prefer to campaign on slogans not facts.

"The PLP continues to refer to Bermuda as the Titanic. Bermuda is not the Titanic, she is a proud and seaworthy ship. The UBP has a firm grasp on the helm as we maintain her course on difficult seas.'' The Premier went on to say that the Government was bringing forward policies that the people want and that it was the Government of social justice and change.

"We are the voice of hope and opportunity for all working families,'' she said.

"Year after year we have protected our Island from the ravages of world economic fluctuations. We have created the economic vibrancy and stability needed to move this country forward.

"The UBP is making bold changes because the people expect not only a well managed Government but an up-to-date and creative approach to meeting their changing needs.

"Most of all families want their Government to stand for social justice and opportunity for all and this refocusing of Government will make this objective of full partnership a genuine reality.''