Governor Sir John Vereker's comments on the increasing complexity of UK-Bermuda affairs caused a stir in the Senate yesterday.

PLP Senators Michael Scott and Larry Mussenden both expressed concern at Sir John's comments earlier on the Island's relationship with the UK for which he called for "careful management".

Government Leader in the Upper House Sen. Scott attempted to respond to the Governor's speech ? given at a seminar at Bermuda College ? but he ran out of time under the Senate's strict rules.

But Sen. Mussenden took up the cudgel and told the Senate: "What he said is of concern. Can it be that Government House is questioning how we run our internal affairs?

"It appears that Government House is extending its reach into the internal affairs of this country. Just recently the Deputy Governor gave an in-depth interview about our Government. I was astounded by that interview.

"These views should not be expressed in newspapers. They should be aired in Government House or the House of this country.

"I am concerned by exactly what messages are coming out of Government House."

Following the Senate meeting, Sen. Scott told : "These comments piqued my interest. It is an emotive subject.

"Bermuda is one of the largest overseas territories and has had self-government for a long time. The wealth of experience we offer is the envy of the other overseas territories.

"The issue of managing our internal affairs is an emotive one. I am not accusing him (Sir John) of meddling."

In his speech on Tuesday to the Adult Education International Labour Relations seminar Sir John said: "The UK has an array of responsibilities that bear directly on internal affairs.

"Counter-terrorism, global financial stability, organised crime, aviation and maritime security, international agreements on human rights and protection of the environment recognise no boundaries, not even those of islands.

"With good sense and good will on both sides ? and those qualities are much in evidence here in Bermuda ? this complexity need not evolve into confrontation, but it does mean the relationship needs careful management."

Sen. Scott was particularly concerned about the Governor's use of the words "careful management" and what they entailed. He insisted that the PLP Government's management of the relationship since 1998 "could not be called into question".

Government House was unavailable for comment last night.