News that the Premier spent thousands of dollars of taxpayers' money on Christmas cards sent all over the Island has angered many.

This paper received e-mails from residents who said the exercise was an expensive PR stunt and money would have been better spent on the needy.

And Coalition for the Protection of Children executive director Sheelagh Cooper also voiced anger.

She said: "I thought it was appalling. I really did."

Some have estimated the cards could have cost around $20,000 to print while postage could have added thousands of dollars to the bill.

Mrs. Cooper, whose charity runs a scheme to give breakfast to children from poor families, said $20,000 would have paid for breakfast for a month for 400 children.

Questions about the cost and method of sending greetings went unanswered by Government for the second day running yesterday.

They included:

¦ How many households is the card being sent to?

¦ How does this fit in with Government's austerity measures and a 10.5 percent cut across the board for all Government departments?

¦ Were any cheaper methods considered for distributing a Christmas message instead maybe Youtube or a message on the Government website or Government TV channel?

Most readers who wrote in with their views on the Christmas cards voiced concern.

La Trisha Perry said it was "foolishness". She added: "So technically I paid for a picture that I didn't even ask for. That money could have gone to do so much more."

She said it was amazing how tax dollars were spent on things like this instead of school books.

"I am a single parent and I think that if he is going to keep messing up my money I think he should give it back because I have better uses for it.

"I am ashamed of this Premier. There is so much else that is wrong that has to be fixed, I think, instead of sending out these pictures."

Raygina M. Pace said it was a "total waste of money when there are hungry children and families in Bermuda".

Emma Magda said it "should have gone to charity for the needy", while Anona Everett said: "Mine went in the bin. Complete waste of money and time."

However some readers expressed support.

Laurelie (Larry) Thomas said: "Dear Sir, I think the giving of cards is a good thing and I also know that you and the UBP party don't like him or anything that the PLP is doing for Bermuda, so you all have a very good holiday and a happy new year."

Turini, from St. David's, said: "Although, some may believe that Brown's Christmas cards were a waste of money it can be viewed in a positive way.

"The money which has been spent locally will help to keep the press company's employees employed, and to continue to pay their rent to their landlords who use that same money to buy goods from the local store, which in turn pays its employees and the cycle continues.

"Economists have said the best way to get out of a recession is to spend money; yet we expect governments to be prudent and cautious in these uncertain times."

"I applaud the Government for injecting funds directly into my Country and my economy."

One couple signing themselves 'Bermudian by birth. American by choice', said: "I am sure that there are many voters in Bermuda who appreciate a personal Christmas card from the Premier and 'First Lady' of Bermuda.

"I remember years ago that Christmas cards were sent to the public by Lord and Lady Martonmere.

"Did His Excellency the Governor and Commander-In-Chief pay out of his own pocket for the card and postage?

"Seems to me that the UBP needs to start being more selective in their fights with the Premier and the 'Ruling Party' of Bermuda.

"$20,000 is a drop in the bucket when one considers the waste and carefree spending that has gone on in Bermuda on both sides of the equation."