An anonymous letter from an alleged group called the People's Cooperative for a Real New Bermuda has been slammed by some of those it names.

The letter, sent to various media outlets, attacks Bermuda's education system and appears to champion the cause of MP and former educator Dale Butler as the man likely to stop the rot.

It said: "The `People's Premier' has orchestrated a cynical `in your face' retaliation against the people's wishes by guaranteeing that the one Government MP who is well poised and prolifically qualified to turn the public school system around, would continually face Government's own glass, or should we say `concrete ceiling'.'' But Mr. Butler condemned the letter. He said: "I don't have a clue who's behind it. These people need to come forward.'' The letter was sent to Mr. Butler and business leaders Mark Herman of ACE Bermuda Ltd, Henry Smith of the Bank of Bermuda, Joseph Johnson of American International, Brian O'Hara of XL Capital, Brian Duperreault of Ace Insurance Ltd and Chamber of Commerce President Cris Valdes Dapena.

Ms. Valdes Dapena said unsigned letters were counterproductive and she said she was refusing to dignify it by commenting about its contents.

And she also said the letter writer or writers should make themselves known.

She said: "That's what democracy is all about. People saying what they believe in. You can't just hide behind the curtains and throw things out.''