GOVERNMENT is being "bull-headed, arrogant and disrespectful" in its quest for Independence, according to the Opposition.

United Bermuda Party leader Wayne Furbert rounded on the Premier after Government confirmed it was pushing ahead with plans for Independence, despite polls suggesting the idea is unpopular with the majority of Bermudians.

On Monday Government Senator Walter Roban said: "We understand that people may not be comfortable with making the move to full sovereignty but as we stated before, if the PLP were just satisfied with having approval of the things that people have a position on, then we would not be around.

"There are some things that we feel strongly upon that we feel will enhance and make Bermuda better for everyone."

At a press conference yesterday, Mr. Furbert said Government "should bring an end to the current process now".

Stressing that support for Independence appears to have fallen since Government began a programme of educating the public on the issue, Mr. Furbert said: "Any politician worth his or her salt knows already that Independence at this time is simply a non-starter.

"Yet this week the Government said it had no intention of putting Independence on the back burner ? that it would continue educating people, presumably until they come around to the PLP's point of view.

"In the face of what we know, the Government's thinking appears delusional. It is certainly bull-headed, obviously arrogant and ultimately disrespectful. It suggests that the Government does not respect the people's ability to weigh an issue and come to a well-considered, intelligent decision.

"Bermuda has too much on its plate right now to continue to be distracted by an issue that has everything to do with Government's own ambitions and nothing to do with people's needs."

Listing a catalogue of concerns that Government should address, including crime, housing and education, Mr. Furbert said: "The Government's focus on Independence is a distraction from these and other important matters.

"The PLP's statement this week to continue pushing Independence indicates that there is a major disconnect between the Government and the people. Instead of talking up Independence, the Government should start listening. Instead of being stubborn, it should start respecting the will of the people.

"Instead of thinking of itself and its pet beliefs, it should start thinking about what's good for Bermuda."

Mr. Furbert said he would vote against Independence in a referendum. When asked why, he said that, while he had supported Independence at the last referendum in 1995, there were now benefits to maintaining ties with the UK ? for example the right for Bermudians to live and work in Europe ? that did not exist a decade ago.

Calling for another referendum to be held immediately, Mr. Furbert said: "My advice to the Premier is simple. People say that you do not listen and that your party is arrogant. This is an opportunity to prove your accusers wrong. End the ambiguity, end the uncertainty, put the issue to rest and start focusing on issues that matter most to the people of Bermuda."