Government Whip Glenn Blakeney asked Opposition MP Patricia Gordon-Pamplin when she planned to join the Progressive Labour Party and stop looking after the interests of whites, she claimed in the House of Assembly last night.

The Shadow Works and Engineering Minister made the allegation, which was vehemently denied by Mr. Blakeney, during a debate on the money allocated to the Cabinet Office in this year's Budget.

Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin, referring to work to promote race relations mentioned earlier by Premier Ewart Brown, suggested that he might want to bring members of his Government "along for the ride".

She alleged that a PLP MP asked her when she was planning to join his party and why she was looking out for the interests of white people.

"That cannot encourage or enhance good race relations," she said.

At that, Health Minister Nelson Bascome leapt to his feet and demanded she reveal who made the remark. "The honourable member needs to be distinct in who she is talking about," he said.

Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin told the House that it was not Mr. Bascome but said she would prefer not to identify the person.

Mr. Blakeney then rose and said: "It's inaccurate and she needs to apologise."

The two argued the point with Mr. Blakeney pointing out that it was the Premier who started the Big Conversation initiative — a dialogue aimed at tackling Bermuda's racial divide.

Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin then told MPs it was Mr. Blakeney who asked her when she was going to move over to the other side of the House.

Clearly rattled, Mr. Blakeney said: "That is a lie!" He added: "I have never at all talked about race ever. This was a private conversation and I said I have a membership form if you would like to join."

Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin said: "I do not like that type of speak... I do not think any of us do.

"I ask that we all embrace one another in the spirit of togetherness in the community."