Opposition candidate Joan Gordon-Webley has relented under criticism and withdrawn her unflattering comparison of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller to 'Jezebel', a biblical figure who surrounded herself with false prophets.

However, Mrs. Gordon-Webley did not apologise but stressed that she did not want to be contradicting Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) General Secretary Karl Samuda, who had apologised to the Prime Minister for the comments made at a political meeting in Trelawny last week.

"This is unfortunate and I withdraw any comments that convey that impression," she said. "Despite my passion and strong commitment to political issues, I am a team player and very supportive of the ethics and collective will of my party."

Increasing political tension

Her remarks come at a time of increasing political tension with elections expected in the coming months. Just yesterday, Mr. Samuda demanded that Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke apologise for branding JLP parliamentarians 'evil' on the weekend.

Speaking at the launch of the Swallowfield Ministers' fraternal on the weekend, Mrs. Gordon-Webley remained defiant.

"Don't be too cautious in saying it as it is," she told her audience. "The brave will not live forever but the cowards never live at all."

At the same event she accused the Church of being penetrated by hypocrites, comments that could alienate Christian voters at a time when the Prime Minister continues to identify herself with the faith.

"It is the Church that I know that made me what I am today ... When I was a child, the Church counted," said Mrs. Gordon-Webley.

On election day she will be challenging current Minister of Education Maxine Henry-Wilson for the South East St. Andrew seat. The marginal constituency has been highlighted as a potential flashpoint for political violence with Mrs. Gordon-Webley having already been accused of stoking tensions.