party were revealed yesterday after ex-PLP MP Trevor Woolridge weighed into the row.

Rev. Woolridge -- currently working in a parish in Philadelphia -- said PLP maverick Kenny Bascome had spurned an attempted apology from Ms Smith and stormed out of a St. George's branch meeting.

The former Hamilton East MP said Mr. Bascome, understood to be smarting over his failure to be picked as Ms Smith's running mate, had rejected overtures from the leader, contrary to claims he had wanted to speak to her.

It is understood Mr. Bascome is almost certain to run as an Independent in the constituency.

Rev. Woolridge said: "I am reliably informed, the PLP party leader attended a PLP meeting where Mr. Bascome was in attendance.

"The party leader asked the chairman if she might speak and on receiving permission, began by saying to all present `I would like to begin by apologising to Mr. Bascome...' She got no further than that.

"She was rudely interrupted by Mr. Bascome, who said `I don't wish to hear any more from that woman. If she says anything else, I'll walk out.'' Rev. Woolridge -- in a letter to The Royal Gazette -- added that a further attempt by Ms Smith to speak was again "rudely cut off'' by Mr. Bascome.

And he said: "However, this time he got up, stormed past the leader and left the room and the meeting.

"So much for Mr. Bascome's public claim that he only wished for the leader to meet/speak with him.'' Mr. Bascome, a Corporation of St. George's councillor was rejected in favour of ex-Finance Ministry official turned guesthouse owner Deleay Robinson following the death of sitting PLP MP, Leon (Jimmy) Williams.

But Rev. Woolridge said: "Mr. Bascome's behaviour confirms the PLP has done the right thing in St. George's North in the selection of candidates.

"Obviously, Mr. Bascome is concerned about himself and the PLP is concerned about St. George's North and Bermuda.'' And Rev. Woolridge questioned where backing for Mr. Bascome was coming from.

He claimed: "If one would search closely as to who is really supporting Mr.

Bascome, I'm sure you will find a person or persons whose real support is grounded with the current governing party.'' Rev. Woolridge, convicted last year of a sex offence against a woman parishioner, but later cleared on appeal, quit politics after a spell as an Independent member and was transferred by his AME church's hierarchy to Philadelphia.