Government MP Dale Butler's decision to resign from Cabinet in the wake of the Uighur controversy has prompted a Facebook group of people wanting to show their support.

Among those who have joined 'Fans of Bermuda's Dale Butler' on the popular networking site is Government MP Glenn Blakeney.

Mr. Butler, the former Culture Minister, led the demands for Premier Ewart Brown to apologise for bringing four Guantánamo detainees to Bermuda without consulting his Cabinet or the Governor in a marathon House of Assembly session more than three weeks ago.

The Premier obliged — but his apology came in a speech which also condemned those who protested against him.

Minutes later, Mr. Butler resigned, telling this newspaper: "I appreciate the apology at the end but it was not a unifying speech."

So far the Facebook group has attracted 250 members.

Creator Paddy Burchall said: "I started the group simply because I admire Dale Butler and wanted to recognise [Mr. Butler] as the one Cabinet member who stood up for what I believe to be right. I understood the party whip and the reason for MPs to vote the way they did, but it was the Cabinet members who had the chance to let the Premier know that he does not have the right to make decisions that affect the Country without consulting them.

She added: "I expected people to join the group because most people I know respected Dale Butler even before he took this stand."

Ms Burchall said the only surprise for her was to see Mr. Blakeney listed as a member of the group.

Mr. Blakeney defended Dr. Brown's actions during the marathon session in the House of Assembly saying he thought the Premier acted "in the best interest of the country".

"It may be wrong but it was the noble interest," he stated.

Mr. Blakeney and Mr. Butler did not respond to a request for comment yesterday.