Politicians in Bermuda should learn to live with the cut and thrust of public life and accept that they will be criticised in the media, British MPs told a meeting last night.

Three members of the UK Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, visiting the Island as part of an inquiry into the British Overseas Territories, were asked to comment on recent newspaper stories concerning accusations of "wrongdoing" against Premier Ewart Brown and the practice of publishing anonymous letters from writers criticising others.

Labour politician Andrew Mackinlay told a public forum at Mount Saint Agnes Academy that in the UK politicians from all parties suffered "bruising" encounters with the press and often felt aggrieved by coverage they received.

"I have been on the receiving end of that," he said. "It can be injurious." He added that was the price a person paid for putting themselves up for public life. "When you step up to the plate and seek public office there are some things you have to take account of."

The question about newspaper coverage of Dr. Brown and the Bermuda Housing Corporation (BHC) scandal came from former Progressive Labour Party Senator Calvin Smith.

He asked the MPs what controls could be put on a "partisan press" which took against "people of whom they do not approve". Mr. Mackinlay replied: "I have to take that as a rhetorical question."

Mr. Smith said he was concerned that a newspaper could "allow the Premier to be attacked through his offices" after the Chief Justice, Director of Public Prosecutions, Police Commissioner and Scotland Yard all determined that no charges should be brought against Dr. Brown after an inquiry into allegations of fraud at BHC.

"What is the UK's responsibility in this?" asked Mr. Smith, adding that such stories were likely to annoy a lot of young people and could lead to violence. "The British Government has been extremely silent on this".

Mr. Mackinlay replied: "In politics, things happen. I can point to parallel situations in the UK where the press continue on a particular line. If you have been on the receiving end of it you consider it unjust or unfair but that's what happens in politics (and) public life."

He said he and many of his colleagues bore the scars of negative press coverage but concluded: "I volunteered to stand for Parliament, I put myself up to the plate and that's what I have to accept."

Conservative MP John Horam said the British press continued to comment on the UK's involvement in the war in Iraq following publication of official documents such as the Hutton and Butler reports. "Press comment is free," he said.

Mr. Horam pointed out that there were libel laws to deal with situations where a person was defamed.

Fellow Conservative MP Malcolm Moss suggested it was up to the Government of Bermuda to introduce a press complaints commission if it felt one was needed. A promise was made in this year's Throne Speech for consideration of just such a body.

Mr. Moss told the meeting the setting up of a commission was "nothing to do with Government House". He added that the commission could require a newspaper to account for why it had published an anonymous letter and challenge the writer.

Other issues tackled at last night's public forum, which was attended by about 30 people, included the franchise in the City of Hamilton, the conduct of Bermuda Monetary Authority, the inclusion of sexual orientation in the Human Rights Act and employers underpaying migrant workers.

Mr. Mackinlay told the audience it was an enormous privilege to be in Bermuda and that he and his colleagues were in "listening mode".

Mr. Moss said the bi-partisan committee's task was to scrutinise whether the Foreign and Commonwealth Office was carrying out its responsibilities correctly with regard to the Territories. "We are not here to investigate the Bermuda Government," he said.

Mr. Horam told the audience the committee would eventually make recommendations to the UK Government. "There will be an outcome," he added. "We are not wasting your time."

The report of the Foreign Affairs Committee is expected to be completed by the summer and the UK Government will have to respond to it within two months.

The committee will still accept submissions e-mailed within the next two weeks to foraffcom@parliament.uk. Visit the website at www.parliament.uk/facom.