her official chauffeur.

Dr. Gibbons, leading the UBP in the absence of Pamela Gordon, spoke of his shock and dismay at the way Jennifer Smith had treated a man with 20 years service.

Carmon Cyrus was dismissed from his post as chauffeur to the Premier last Friday -- a move that came as a surprise to the 72-year-old.

Last night Dr. Gibbons said: "I was appalled by what appeared to be a summary dismissal of him. It is certainly not the way to treat someone who has given 19 years professional service to four Premiers.'' The Shadow Finance Minister also criticised Ms Smith for the way the sacking was handled -- getting a senior civil servant to break the news rather than face him herself.

He said Mr. Cyrus was extremely dedicated to his job and even recieved the Queen's Certificate for public service in the 1980s.

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