A United Bermuda Party Senator has slammed the ruling Progressive Labour Party, saying: “We need to let Premier Ewart Brown know that we’re mad — mad as hell — over what he’s doing to our country.”

Senator E.T. (Bob) Richards made the statement last night at a UBP town hall meeting at St. Mary’s Church Hall in Warwick, responding to an audience member that questioned what citizens can do to censure Government. More than 80 people turned up to hear from various party candidates and representatives and, to express their views on the current state of affairs in the Island.

In a passionate presentation by Parliamentary Whip John Barritt, he highlighted numerous changes in legislation to be introduced, should the party be restored to power in the next general election.

Under the topic of “Good Governance”, a freedom of Information Act was pledged as well as full autonomy for the Auditor General and a move towards fixed term elections. Mr. Barritt said: “I want people to know that whoever forms the Government of the day, they must be subject to certain checks and balances. The Progressive Labour Party’s annual travel expenditure has continued to increase — now more than $7 million — as stated in their 2006 and 2007 budget.

“In comparison, in 1998 during the last year of the UBP Government, the travel budget for the Cabinet was just $2.25 million — these are the sorts of things that we are prepared to make more transparent.”

Not surprisingly, the issue of race relations was a major issue, with Mr. Barritt citing the fact that there were few black faces present at the meeting, saying it showed that Bermuda was polarised under the PLP.

Deputy Opposition Leader Patricia Gordon-Pamplin used an example of the PLP’s alleged disposition to “use the issue of race only to win votes”.

Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin explained: “Let me tell you a story that happened to me a couple of weeks ago while in the House of Assembly.

“A statement was made by a white colleague of mine and I was simply trying to clarify his statement by repeating his statement.

“Then, one of the members from the opposite side of the bench said to another, ‘leave her and let her take her master’s licks’,” Mrs. Gordon Pamplin said to loud disapproval from the audience.

Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley claimed the recent series of Government-sponsored race forums, was “nothing more than electioneering” — a campaign tactic that is only in favour of the PLP, he said.

Overall, Mr. Dunkley, responding to speculation over when exactly the Premier will call a general election, reaffirmed his party’s willingness and readiness to govern, saying “bring it on!” to Dr. Brown.