THE Progressive Labour Party last night reacted angrily to criticism by former MP Julian Hall, claiming that nothing would distract it from carrying out "the work of the people of Bermuda".

But the statement was later dismissed in part by Mr. Hall as "menacing and Orwellian" ? and evidence that his criticisms of the current leadership were justified.

In a faxed statement, PLP spokesman Scott Simmons hinted that the party deserved credit for allowing Mr. Hall to make scathing public criticisms "with no reprisal to be faced".

"It is the PLP, then and now, that has tirelessly worked for Bermuda to be an unfettered democracy with the right to freedom of expression and association," the statement read.

"It is both the PLP Government and the country that enables Mr. Hall and others to flirt publicly with yet another third political entity with no reprisal to be faced."

Mr. Simmons claimed Government was responsible for Bermuda's low unemployment rate and a successful economy, while the Social Agenda demonstrated administration's "commitment to ensure that the have-nots will have more".

He added that Government "had played a major role in housing over 800 Bermudians" while tough new laws had seen gang activity "decreased by a significant degree".

"We sincerely hope that Mr. Hall remembers these important initiatives as he advises young Bermudians about their future," the statement read.

"However, it is irresponsible for anyone to use the freedom of expression to scare our young people away from the opportunities presented for those prepared to work."

Last night, Mr. Hall hit back, stating that he was still an ardent supporter of the PLP but could not sit back and watch the party "becoming what they hate".

Responding to the claim that he was fortunate to be able to speak out "with no reprisal to be faced", he said: "That's very menacing, very Orwellian and threatening. Language is the footprint of emotion but I really have no fear whatsoever of any reprisals.

"But I am not flirting with anyone. I have a very serious interest in Bermuda's future and I just have to express my views because, like many PLP supporters, we get nothing but frustration by attending meetings at Alaska Hall.

"I remain a committed supporter of the labour movement and so long as the PLP doesn't convince me that they are no longer committed to the aims of the labour movement, that's where I'm going to stay."