not attacking the PLP.

The candidates held back from direct criticism of the Opposition during an election press conference on international business.

They were immediately confronted over their performance by disappointed party executive officer Mr. Joe Gibbons.

Behind the scenes, Mr. Gibbons had been busy drawing reporters' attention to anti-PLP sources in the industry.

He gave journalists copies of an overseas Press article that raised questions about a PLP government's impact on Bermuda-based international companies.

He was also anxious to offer the name and phone number of a pro-UBP company boss in the offshore insurance industry.

But first-time candidates Mr. Richard Spurling and Mr. Wayne Furbert, joined by UBP member Mrs. Lynda Milligan-Whyte, did not show the same eagerness to slam their political rivals.

Mr. Gibbons said that after the press conference he "lit into'' the speakers for their comments. "I couldn't believe my ears,'' he said.

He said he believed Dr. Grant Gibbons, UBP campaign chairman, had told them to "be positive''.

A corporate lawyer, Mr. Spurling is a candidate for St. George's South.

Accountant Mr. Furbert is standing in Hamilton West. Mrs. Milligan-Whyte is a lawyer specialising in international business.

They spent most of the press conference reiterating the importance of international business to the Island's economy, saying about two-thirds of the workers in the sector were Bermudians.

Mrs. Milligan-Whyte, a former Government senator, stressed opportunities in the industry were available for young Bermudians.

"Bermuda will go through an economic boom in the next 10 years and we need stability to achieve that,'' she said.

Pressed for the trio's views on a change of government, Mr. Spurling mentioned the overseas article and said the UBP was concerned about the depth of management talent in the PLP and the industry's need for continuity.

But he was not aware of any international business people saying they did not want a PLP government.

The party was concerned about past PLP statements about income tax, fees and independence, he said. International business people were "perhaps'' concerned too.

The article pointed out to reporters was in Lloyds List, a London-based shipping and insurance paper, on September 22.

It quotes an anonymous "leading Bermuda insurance company executive'' as saying a PLP government would be a "major negative'' for his industry.

OCTOBER 1993 ELECTION