Premier Ewart Brown last night warned whomever succeeds him to brace themselves for more attacks from Progressive Labour Party opponents.

He told an audience at Berkeley Cafeterium he has come under more fire from the media than any other leader because of his combative nature — but claimed no PLP Premier has been given an easy ride.

"My successor, whoever it will be, will not be free from attacks from some people," Dr. Brown told a crowd of about 100 people at his outgoing media round-table event. "It happened with Dame Jennifer Smith, it happened with Alex Scott, it happened with me.

"The reason that mine was more hyped, if you will, is that I'm more combative and I will fight. That's just part of my make-up. I have tried to keep my decorum as much as I can but I do speak my mind."

Throughout the evening, Dr. Brown made countless criticisms of the media, particularly The Royal Gazette.

He defended his use of "plantation questions" — questions he says he has the right to refuse to answer. "The media took that to mean that I was hiding from their questions," he said.

"I have dealt with journalists in Washington, D.C., when I was 21 years old. Dealing with the press is not a big issue.

"But when I see a question that I think is reserved for a black man and would not have been asked of a white leader, I will call it a plantation question until I die."

During the evening, the Premier also defended himself against allegations he's aloof — saying he's been subject to a "character assassination".

"I just don't believe that so many Bermudians really believe I'm aloof. I believe an image of me has been created that I'm aloof, arrogant, dishonest," he said.

This newspaper was joined by the Bermuda Sun, VSB, BBC, BerNews and The Worker's Voice for the session.

For a full report, see tomorrow's Royal Gazette.