An angry row broke out last night following the United Bermuda Party’s political broadcast two days after the death of Dame Lois Browne Evans.

The Progressive Labour Party labelled the timing of the programme “disrespectful” and “grossly insensitive” and demanded the Opposition apologise to Dame Lois’ family.

UBP leader Michael Dunkley hit back by pointing out the Senate conducted its usual business on Wednesday and the House of Assembly would operate today — and stressed that the broadcast had been delayed out of respect for Dame Lois.

Mr. Dunkley added that Premier Ewart Brown had been promoting his own party’s re-election chances by taking part in staged photo opportunities yesterday and on Wednesday.

He accused the PLP of politicising Dame Lois’ death by attacking the timing of the UBP’s broadcast. Less than two hours after the broadcast finished, PLP chairman David Burt released a statement saying: “Tonight the United Bermuda Party owes a lot of people an apology and the family of Dame Lois Browne-Evans should be at the top of that list.

“To publicly televise a political event during a time when the country is mourning is the height of disrespect and is grossly insensitive. Is there not a single reasoned voice in the entire party?

“Could no one over there realise the timing of such a broadcast was inappropriate? Where is the consideration for the family or the grieving Members of Parliament or the hundreds of Bermudians who have gone to the Cabinet Office to sign a condolence book?”

Mr. Burt said the UBP’s tribute to Dame Lois at the start of the broadcast “only made matters worse” because it proved the Opposition was aware that Dame Lois had passed away.

Responding, Mr. Dunkley said: “Tonight’s broadcast in no way dishonours the life and memory of Dame Lois Browne Evans — if that is what the PLP is implying. This was a scheduled broadcast, which we postponed one day out of respect for Dame Lois. This morning we taped a special tribute for the top of the broadcast to highlight that respect.

“We note that the Senate conducted its business on Wednesday, and we note that businesses continued to conduct business. We also note that Premier Brown was busy yesterday and today trying to promote his party’s re-election chances through a series of staged photo-ops. Finally, we note that after the Joint Session to honour Dame Lois the House of Assembly will conduct regular House business.

“We urge people to recognise the PLP criticism as an example of that party’s proclivity to do anything to advance its political interests — in this case trying to politicise the very event it says we are somehow disrespecting.”