Deputy Premier Ewart Brown is not uneasy at Government backbencher Renee Webb's new-found freedom to speak her mind, saying that the PLP can handle criticism from within.

In fact, he welcomed the former Tourism Minister's willingness to be vocal, whether or not she is in agreement with the leaders of the Progressive Labour Party.

“It's better to have room for expression than to suppress it,” he told The Royal Gazette on Friday.

“But we're capable in the PLP of handling dissent - and the organisation will outlive all of us.”

Ms Webb resigned from Cabinet several months ago, citing differences with Premier Alex Scott. Though she has always been known for her outspokenness, the move away from Cabinet freed Ms Webb from the restraint of collective responsibility.

Since this Parliamentary session began, Ms Webb has split with Government on a number of issues.

She called for greater economic empowerment for blacks, urging Government to adopt South African legislation.

After Premier Alex Scott said legislation barring discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation were not a priority for Government, she promised that if Cabinet eventually vetoed the legislation then she herself would bring a private members' bill on the issue.

And she also supported the idea of an independent Tourism Authority, and criticised changes in tourism policy introduced by her replacement in the Tourism Ministry, Dr. Brown. Yesterday Dr. Brown declined again to comment on Ms Webb's criticisms in that area.

In his role as Deputy Premier, he said he was also not uneasy at the thought of other backbenchers following Ms Webb's dissenting example.

“I like a lively back bench, it's good for us,” he said. “Politics should never be boring.”