Robert Pires said Dr. Gibbons has a credibility problem after marginalising the Portuguese in his own party, apparently in an effort to maintain the balance of white and black UBP politicians.

With the PLP essentially considered “a write-off” in terms of diversity, he added, Portuguese-Bermudians have no political home.

The UBP falsely present themselves as the “diverse” party, he said: “They can't say they are diverse if they're not trying.”

Mr. Pires said it was his perception - right or wrong - that there was “a concerted effort by the UBP to squeeze the Portuguese out of the party.”

He said he spoke to Dr. Gibbons on three occasions about the issue, and was told UBP had a nine-to-five ratio of white to black and they could not take any more white people.

“We didn't get very far with that and he seemed to feel justified. So I said he should let go some of the old white establishment. He could not respond to that.”

Meanwhile, during the July General Election, he said, the UBP moved Portuguese candidate and former MP Allan Marshall out of his old constituency of Smith's South to run Cole Simons there instead.

“The result? The Portuguese candidate was sacrificed to save the black Bermudian candidate,” Mr. Pires said.

“You have to question what's going on... Not only have women been left out, but almost an entire ethnic group.

“There has been a complete disregard of the impact the Portuguese have had on this community - culturally, socially, economically and in education.”

“He (Dr. Gibbons) has eliminated the participation of Portuguese Bermudians in the political process on this Island.

“Unless that changes he should go. Either he becomes more inclusive, or, he should really step down.”

The UBP released a statement in response to Mr. Pires' criticisms maintaining that all are welcome in the party.

“The United Bermuda Party represents today's Bermuda and the interests of all Bermudians,” it said.

“We are committed to providing leadership that brings us all together, unites us in solving problems we face and gives all Bermudians an equal stake in Bermuda's future.

“The men and women in our Parliamentary group, Caucus and branch organisations comprise a broad cross section of Bermudians and opinions. We believe our commitment to diversity strengthens us and makes us better representatives of the people we serve.

“We hope that Mr. Pires' strong opinions and conviction will encourage more Portuguese Bermudians to participate in public service. The United Bermuda Party has always encouraged and welcomed the involvement of Portuguese Bermudians at all levels of the organisation, and we will continue to do so.”

With the loss of Allan Marshall's seat in the House of Assembly, the only Portuguese MP on either side of the House is Trevor Moniz.

“He is the last man standing,” said Mr. Pires.

However, Mr. Moniz himself pointed to the bigger picture. “Diversity in general is down (in Bermudian politics),” he said, citing the recent controversy over the lack of women appointed to the Senate by either party.

“It seems to be a bit of a broader trend that there is a reduction in diversity in Parliament.”

While many of the behind-the-scenes tasks for the UBP are done by Bermudians of Portuguese heritage, Mr. Moniz said, he was unsure why Portuguese were not more involved at the forefront.

“I would think the party would make a greater effort,” he said. “Quite frankly they are not appearing to do so, and it is disappointing.”

Even his own treatment at the hands of the UBP has not been good, he said, and he did not see much hope for Portuguese Bermudians at the hands of the PLP either, pointing out that while Danny Faries ran for Parliament he was not put in the Senate. “People in general in Bermuda are turned off by the two political parties,” he said.

Mr. Moniz also noted there has never been a Portuguese bishop, chief justice, AG, Minister of Finance or Home Affairs.

Even he had to battle for a good position in the Shadow Cabinet, he said.

And he said he became the first Portuguese president of the Bermuda Bar Association to show people: “It can be done, you can do what you are determined to do. I know we're a minority, but....”

Mr. Moniz added he will be encouraging the UBP to make greater effort in the future. “Be proactive, go out there looking for candidates, encourage the Portuguese community to get involved.”

“There is a definite middle-class perspective that Portuguese bring to the process that is now being excluded,” Mr. Pires added. “It's quite shocking. Politicians on both sides of the House need to be taken to task for this.”

“I have not found the PLP to be very responsive to any of the concerns represented,” he added when asked if he had approached new Premier Alex Scott on the issue.

The PLP Government have shown a complete lack of respect for the Portuguese community, he said, citing examples where Portuguese diplomats have visited the Island and been all but ignored by Government.

“It was hell getting Government to meet them,” he said. “But they're getting on planes and flying to Cuba.”