Opposition Leader Wayne Furbert yesterday challenged Premier Alex Scott to publicly back renegade minister David Burch or sack him.

Mr. Furbert spoke out after the cabinet minister?s involvement in a number of controversies in recent weeks.

?It?s time the Premier put an end to Lt. Col. Burch in regards to what he?s been saying. He continuously not only embarrasses the Government but the people of Bermuda,? he said.

In recent weeks, Lt. Col Burch, Minister for Works and Engineering, has hit the headlines over:

Claiming that the selection process for Lt. Col. William White, the new Commanding Officer of the Bermuda Regiment, had overlooked the most suitable candidate. Sen. Burch called for the Governor to be recalled over the matter. The Chairman of the Defence Board, the Honorary Colonel of the Regiment and Home Affairs Minister Randy Horton later moved to dismiss these claims.

Requesting that the Auditor General?s office be audited during a brief moment in charge of the Finance Ministry while Minister Paula Cox was off-Island. He later retracted the suggestion and apologised.

His Ministry announcing an 11th hour office move for the Auditor General. The AG complained this left his department lacking a computer and telephone infrastructure.

Using the term ?house niggers? on his radio show before he was appointed Senator or Minister. His reference ? believed to be aimed at black members of the United Bermuda Party ? earned him a rebuke from the Island?s Broadcasting Commission on Tuesday.

Mr. Furbert said: ?It?s absolutely wrong that this gentleman is continuously going after these individuals. The question has to be asked if Sen. Burch is the hired gun by the PLP to go after such individuals. Why is the Premier not saying anything publicly to say that he doesn?t support it??

He added: ?I believe that it?s time that the Premier fired him from the Cabinet. He continuously messed up under Premier Jennifer Smith and now he?s putting his foot in his mouth again.?

Mr. Furbert said his party had been silent over the housing issue in order to give Sen. Burch ? appointed Works and Engineering Minister last October ? a chance to prove himself.

But he added: ?Are there any significant plans in place since he was appointed? The Premier should do what?s best for Bermuda. We don?t need anyone in such a position that sends out such an impression. It?s time to put a stop to this foolishness.?attempted to contact both Sen. Burch and Premier Alex Scott for comment. A spokesperson for the Senator said he would not wish to comment.

A spokesperson for the Premier said he could not be reached yesterday evening as he was on an aeroplane.