Opposition MP Ottiwell Simmons was yesterday accused of hypocrisy for defending freedom of speech.

Mr. Simmons had spoken out after ZBM radio show host Linda DaCosta was threatened by an angry listener.

The listener had reportedly told her: "Your programme is too political and if you don't break it down and change your format you may have to find another job.'' But yesterday Sonesta Beach worker Raymond Russell put Mr. Simmons in the firing line. He also swiped at former Premier Sir John Swan and ex-Labour Minister Sir John Sharpe.

Mr. Russell claimed Mr. Simmons, then Bermuda Industrial Union president, had called in 1994 for Sonesta management to fire him as chief bellman -- if they wanted to avoid a strike.

Sonesta workers were reportedly upset by Mr. Russell's claims that employees would accept pay freezes and were dissatisfied with the union's representation.

Said Mr. Russell: "Mr. Simmons tried to deny my family their bread earner and me, my freedom of speech.'' He added: "What a hypocrite Mr. Simmons is, as all politicians are.'' Mr. Simmons yesterday refused to be drawn into a slanging match.

"I am not at all interested in what Mr. Russell has to say.'' Ms DaCosta claims she was confronted face-to-face by someone warning her job was in jeopardy.

According to ZBM sources the threat came from a "United Bermuda Party type''.

In the House of Assembly last Friday, Mr. Simmons said Ms DaCosta's complaints of harassment raised serious freedom of speech issues.

He urged MPs to make a statement in support of freedom of speech.

Writing to The Royal Gazette , Mr. Russell said: "It was so wonderful to hear and read that Mr. Ottiwell Simmons warned whoever told talk show host Linda DaCosta that her job was on the line to cease and desist.'' He added: "Mr. Simmons should be applauded for his speech if not for the fact in 1994 Mr. Simmons called for the Sonesta Beach Resort to fire me if they did not want to suffer from a strike.'' The letter continued: "No-one, especially those who knew the service I have given on behalf of Bermuda, cared about my freedom of speech including Sir John Swan and then Minister of Labour, Sir John Sharpe, who has confessed he was afraid of Mr. Simmons because of his position as president of the BIU.

"I had to contact a lawyer to ask Mr. Simmons to cease and desist in trying to destroy me on information that was not proven.'' UNIONS UNS