Government Communications Director Beverle Lottimore has moved to defend the controversial focus groups while voicing her serious concerns over the ?misleading information? in yesterday?s editorial.

The newly created forums, organised by local marketing research agency Research.bm and commissioned by the Department of Information and Communication, have been criticised for the ?inappropriately political? nature of some of the questioning. Tasks at the centre of the row include ?Rate the Premier?s performance on a scale of 1-5? and ?use one word to describe how the party is doing?.

The Progressive Labour Party has been accused of using the focus groups partly for political polling ? an exercise described by the Opposition as a ?despicable abuse of tax dollars?.

But Ms Lottimore yesterday poured scorn on such sentiments, suggesting the public was receiving a ?skewed view of the efforts being made by Government to conduct qualitative research that will give a voice to the people?.

She also attacked editor Bill Zuill for the propagation of ?misinformation? in his critical editorial on Wednesday, actively questioning his judgment and his motives.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary John Drinkwater also came to the defence of Ms Lottimore, arguing that ?in this instance? he was ?not persuaded that any member of the civil service has acted improperly?.

?The standard approach ? survey research or polls ? provides numbers,? Ms Lottimore said.

?Seventy five percent are in favour of this, 15 percent are opposed to that and 10 percent are undecided. This does not offer the insight and meaningful direction needed by a Government to keep its finger on the pulse of the people of Bermuda ? who they are, what they want, what?s at stake, and the role Government can play. We understand the importance of listening to and learning from the people and it was decided to use this type of research to finally tap into their minds and hearts so Government could make a difference that is well considered, positive and meaningful to Bermudians as a whole.?

?I do not know what the editor?s ultimate aim is here,? she continued, ?and it is irrelevant. The fact is, that by virtue of his misinformation he is perhaps attempting to put me on the defensive about something that is overtly inaccurate and I will not lend credence to his inaccuracies.?

?Research paid for by the taxpayer dollar, that seeks input from that taxpayer on his or her views of Government?s performance, and by extension, performance of its programmes, and the Premier?s performance, is not only sensible but essential to make a shift in the Government?s paradigm to listen and learn from the people so the country can move forward in unison, as a team with the same goals, because collectively we know best how to make our country whole again.?

Mr. Zuill?s editorial attempted ?to put a dollar value on what is important to the people? she argued, ?which is what the research is all about?.

?It is an investment in learning in an unbiased fashion,? she said.

?Information is garnered and a report generated. It is apolitical, and for any Government to move forward without hearing from its people is folly. If people are not given a voice, how can a Government know it is following their mandate? Should the populace remain silent and only the opinions of the media be heard? These focus groups have allowed for a voice to be sent directly to Government and it is a voice given to those who clearly felt there was none.?

?I stand by my decision to recommend this research because it is a good one,? she continued.

?It is one that has empowered the people to speak to their leadership without fear or favour, without filtering or spinning. The Department of Communication and Information has the responsibility to communicate with the public. However, communication is two-way and the research vehicle chosen by the Director of the DCI has given a voice to the thoughts and the feelings of the people of Bermuda.?

This explanation did not hold much water with the United Bermuda Party however, who yesterday called for Government to return the money spent on the focus groups into the central consolidated fund and pay for them out of the party?s own coffers.

?Isn?t this typical of the PLP,? said their official spokesman Jamahl Simmons last night.

?Whenever they get caught with their hands in the cookie jar, they have to find somebody else to blame. Because they have been caught spending taxpayers? money on themselves, now we?re supposed to believe it?s the media?s fault? Most of us were raised to believe in openness, honesty and accountability. But once again, the PLP seems more interested in making excuses than doing the right thing. Once again the PLP seems to be more interested in covering up the truth than telling the truth.?

?Personal responsibility is obviously not one of the PLP?s core values. It is time for them to do the right thing and pay back the thousands of dollars that they have ruthlessly squandered for political gain.?