The debate about whether Gina Spence Farmer could work at Bermuda College and sit in the Senate came to an abrupt end yesterday when she quit her education job.

Mrs. Spence Farmer said the College forced her hand by refusing to look at compromise options that would have seen her combine the two roles.

The United Bermuda Party Senator told last night she was sad to leave the campus where she was employed as a youth worker.

But she said she left with the support and respect of students ? and was now looking forward to serving in the Senate, where she will focus on ?community and cultural? issues.

In a letter to Bermuda College president, Dr. Charles Green, Mrs. Spence Farmer said after weeks of talks involving unions and campus officials she understood the college was not able to meet her request for time off to sit in the Senate on Wednesdays.

She added: ?My preference, as you know, was to remain with the College and also serve my country. As this is not possible, I tender my resignation (effective Tuesday, November 29) with a mixed sense of regret and optimism.

?Regret, because I have truly enjoyed my time with the College, particularly helping the students pursue their goals and dreams. Optimism because I?m hopeful that as a Senator I will be able to make a meaningful contribution to my community.?

Earlier this month, as talks continued on whether she could combine both College and political roles, the College stopped Mrs. Spence Farmer working with students on their weekly radio show.

The decision to end her role with the New College Commentator sparked a furious reaction from students who worked on the programme. Students said the plug was pulled amid fears the new Senator might put a political slant on the weekly commentary show.

Asked if she felt she had been forced out of the College, Mrs. Spence Farmer last night replied: ?Yes and no.?

She continued: ?It got to the point where they took me away from the New College Commentator so I could not do my job. Some people can sit behind their desk and collect their pay cheque but I had to be working.

?Things were happening on campus that were not good for the students, so I had to go.?

The mother-of-three said when the controversy first broke about the College blocking her Upper House role, she was still hopeful a mutual agreement could be reached.

But despite offering to work part-time or on specific projects, she said no compromise deal could be struck and she has now accepted a resignation settlement.

Mrs. Spence Farmer, 43, whose remit at the college included dance, a radio show, drama and special events, said in her resignation letter she did not want her immediate departure to cause any inconvenience.

She has offered to work on a part-time basis, at least until the end of the year, until a suitable replacement is found.

The Senator said she had already received other job offers, but was now planning to enjoy Christmas with her family.

Bermuda College said in a statement last night that Mrs. Spence Farmer?s resignation had been accepted. ?We want to wish her all the best in her future endeavours?, the statement added.

A spokeswoman refused to comment further on the issue. Controversy erupted last month when the College said it would not be possible for the youth worker to take off Wednesdays to be in the Senate.

This led to a political row and claims she was being denied the opportunity because she represented the Opposition.

Mrs. Spence Farmer offered to swap overtime hours accrued during the rest of the week, but the College said her job was not flexible enough for such an arrangement.