Challenger Mr. William (Billy) Boyle claimed yesterday if he won he would give the role of mayor a much higher profile than present Mayor, the Rt. Wor. Cecil Dismont.

Mr. Dismont said he did not want to get involved in a smear campaign but then launched into an attack, claiming that the challenge by Mr. Boyle was "disrespectful''.

Mr. Dismont said he was annoyed at a letter sent out by Mr. Boyle concerning car parking -- Mr. Boyle is chairman of the City's car park committee.

"Unfortunately the only truth in the letter was my age,'' said Mr. Dismont.

"He forgot to mention that he is chairman of the committee he is knocking.

"I think my record shows that I have a great interest in the City. I have served on the Corporation for 36 years. I have never missed a day except through illness.'' Mr. Dismont claimed he was confident of today's result.

He added: "I did not mind being opposed but being opposed by one of our own members is out of order. One should respect the `captain' as above everyone and when he feels it is time to step down then step into his place.

"But this shows disrespect. I think it is also unforgivable for him to criticise the Corporation which has worked so hard.'' It is the first time since 1934 that a mayor has been challenged in Hamilton.

Mr. Dismont, 78, was voted the first black Mayor of Hamilton six years ago.

Of today's election, Mr. Boyle said: "I hope people come out and vote. My whole stance is that I hope to be in contact with people.

"I want to be more visible and accessible than the current Mayor of Hamilton.

"It is also a case of trying to get things done more quickly by getting involved.'' He gave examples of where the Mayor, Aldermen and common councillors should be seen to be involved in the work of the City. For instance, a recent Docks Report, he said, should have been followed by a statement by the chairman of the City's Wharf Committee.

Mr. Boyle said the Mayor should be seen to be making himself and other members of the Corporation more accountable for the business of Hamilton.

He said if the Corporation objected to the plans to change the Bermudiana Hotel into a financial centre then the Mayor should have made a statement on the subject.

He added: "The City is the hub of Bermuda. It is vibrant. But things need to get done faster. I think more people need to show more interest in the City.

"If there is no challenge the City will just kept on running regardless.

It is not healthy. People should not think of this as a club.'' Mr. Boyle believed the election would be close but he said: "I am reasonably optimistic. If everybody comes out who said they were going to come out then I can be confident, but I am sure the Mayor says the same.'' Mr. Dismont said the election would be historic in that it was the first time there had been a challenge in 60 years. "It makes the taxpayer a little bit more aware of what is going on and makes them a part of it,'' he said.

Voting today will be residents of the City of Hamilton and businessmen who own property in Hamilton.