5 The elusive head-to-head clash between Premier Pamela Gordon and PLP leader Jennifer Smith finally went ahead yesterday -- but the confrontation was not aired live on television.

Instead, the pair took part in a debate at a Bermuda College Pre-Election Rally, with students putting forward questions in the college's courtyard.

The face-off came after months of manoeuvering between the two parties over arrangements for a live television debate. Hopes of the debate taking place finally died last week after neither party could agree on the format.

The fact that yesterday's debate took place at all shows just how keen the parties are for the youth vote.

The Island's two most powerful women were joined by National Liberal Party leader Charles Jeffers and were also backed by members of their respective campaign teams and candidates.

And while the 20 UBP candidates in attendance were vocal in their support of their leader, the arrival of Ms Smith was greeted with strong applause from the students, many of whom will be voting for the first time on November 9.

The leaders answered five questions ranging from what are the strengths and weaknesses of their party, what can be done about improving education, lowering the cost of housing, battling drugs, and road safety.

Premier Gordon, facing a youthful throng bolstered by a number of lecturers and college staff, said: "We recognise that our young people are very important, not only because you are a part of this election, but because you are a part of Bermuda's future.'' Ms Gordon rammed home the point that her party serves more than just one segment of the community and is made up of a variety of people of different skills, races, and experiences.

"I'm here to correct all kinds of negative comments,'' she said. "This is a sober time for all young people and all people indeed.

"Yes, we are a conservative government. Conservatism means you have something that you want to maintain. Your vote is important.'' While speaking about blacks in the UBP, Ms Gordon said had they joined the PLP they would have been "safe'' in some people's eyes.

"But we recognise that in living in Bermuda we should be inclusive of all people regardless of skin colour,'' she added.

Ms Gordon also said that the leadership of the party would be drug tested, "to lead by example''.

Ewart Brown, who spoke in place of Ms Smith -- who showed up late -- told the college students: "When they finish counting the votes on the night of November 9, the PLP will be the new government of the country.'' "We are beyond pigmentation. Let's just say we're Bermudians. This is the agenda of the PLP. Not the complexion of the people putting forward the ideas.'' When Ms Smith did finally arrive -having been given an incorrect start time by the student government committee - she could not resist getting in a jibe at the Government.

Noting the presence of a clutch of heckling UBP candidates she abandoned the debate format and said: "The PLP are working people, we have full time jobs, we're working with volunteer help -- we are not always available to be where we should be.'' Leaders meet students Ms Smith told the young students they were special because they had the chance to take part in a history-making election.

She added to loud applause: "The Berlin Wall fell on November 9, 1989. We anticipate that something else will fall on November 9, 1998. Your vote is not a waste.'' "We have faith and trust in the people,'' Ms Smith said. "We are alarmed by the fact that people don't trust government. Our strength is your trust in us.'' Mr. Jeffers told the students he was "excited'' to see so many young people interested in the politics of their country.

And he said they must consider voting to be their privilege and duty and upon election, NLP candidates would be able to present bills to parliament.

He added: "We will be the conscience of whoever forms the government of the country.'' SGA president Kenneth Caesar, who's team hatched the idea for the debate just seven days ago, said the rally was "organised by students for students''.

Eying a throng of students around Ms Smith after the rally he added: "I don't know how much of the student body was here but to be able to say the courtyard was full was significant.'' And a beaming Mr. Caesar added: "Yes, I guess it was somewhat of a debate. I guess we were able to pull it off. The entire student government worked on this.''