Progressive Labour Party supporters who back the bar on Opposition hopeful Gina Spence Farmer sitting in the Senate have short memories according to the Bermuda Public Services Union.

General Secretary Edward Ball has pointed out that for years the PLP complained of trouble getting time off to serve in Parliament. While recognising the College was within its rights to deny Mrs. Spence Farmer permission to attend meetings under the Employment Act 2000, Mr. Ball remembered the issue was raised by Labour Advisory Committee members during its drafting.

He said: ?Most of the employers and unions recognised the hardships and sacrifices that PLP politicians experienced for many years while in Opposition regarding getting time off to serve in the Senate and House prior to the PLP?s election to Government in 1998.

?It was also felt that the Island had matured politically and that employers were sensitive and willing to work with Bermudians in their desire to serve in public office or on Government boards.?

The majority of MPs and demanding day jobs said Mr. Ball and used holidays, lieu time and flexitime to serve the public and not short change their employers. ?The union is fearful that at any time in the near or distant future either of the two main political parties can become Government today and Opposition tomorrow.

?It is therefore somewhat foolhardy to massage the rules that benefit the masses today simply because we are the Government of the day while potentially hardening the attitudes of potential employers who may tighten the rules if ?the shoe is politically reversed?.

Mr. Ball said his union, which is not politically affiliated, would continue to press the case of its member Mrs. Spence Farmer.

However at last night?s PLP delegates conference Premier Alex Scott justified the strict rules after listing PLP supporters who had been forced to retire from jobs in education to enter politics including former leader Freddie Wade and Austin Thomas.

He said to a standing ovation: ?If you care so much about serving people then make the sacrifice and serve. ?That is how they used to keep out of parliament. Now that moment has passed and they want to get into parliament they want to change the rules.?