as general manager of the Bermuda Housing Corporation smacked of Progressive Labour Party "cronyism''.

They said Mr. Dill could not be expected to do the job properly given that he would still be chairman of Bermuda Hospitals Board and chairman of Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation.

Acting Shadow Health and Social Services Minister Cole Simons said: "Apart from the case that this appears to be a clear-cut case of PLP insider appointment, or even PLP cronyism, Mr. Dill also holds these other positions.

"Certainly it is quite clear that the hospital is facing significant challenges at this time, both from staffing and service issues, and small businesses in Bermuda are challenged every day due to the issues of a changing and vibrant economy.

"Given the critical nature of Bermuda's housing challenge, Bermuda's small business challenge and the central issue of healthcare, we would have thought Mr. Dill had enough on his plate.

"Our position is that we find it contemptible that Mr. Dill is expected to manage these three institutions and is expected to do a good job at it.

"We cannot sit idly and let this appointment go unchallenged. Bermuda deserves better.

"We need to ensure good managers are positioned to effectively manage three of the country's most important institutions.

"It is our belief that given the three roles Mr. Dill now fills, it is difficult for him to commit the resources and time that each organisation requires to ensure that a sterling job is done.'' POLITICS PTL