The accusation comes from Health and Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness.

He hit out over PLP criticism of Government's plan to fund retraining of unemployed Bermudians.

Last week, the PLP described the proposal as a "piecemeal effort''.

They also claimed Government had lifted the idea from the PLP.

But last night Mr. Edness said: "I am somewhat disappointed the PLP should blast and criticise what Government is trying to do to help get many families back to work.

"I would have thought the PLP would be more constructive and help provide answers to creating employment or retraining people.

"They should be encouraging Government where possible to get people back to work.'' Mr. Edness spoke of family misery caused by unemployment -- despite the safety net of social assistance, which did not tackle depression and a feeling of lack of dignity, he said.

"It is a very serious matter. I don't think it right for the PLP to make this a political issue or play politics.'' He attacked the PLP for claiming "authorship'' of the retraining idea.

It was easy to make such claims -- but far more difficult to tackle unemployment. "Talk is cheap, and unemployment is far too serious to play around with.''