Former Opposition leader Michael Dunkley believes the Premier uses intimidation as a way to run the country.

Mr. Dunkley spoke out after it was revealed the Premier's lawyer threatened Opposition Leader Kim Swan with legal action for saying that Dr. Ewart Brown "broke the law" by resettling the Guantánamo Uighurs without consultation.

Yesterday, Mr. Dunkley said he supported Mr. Swan's statements. He added it was important that the Opposition Leader speaks out on issues: "I think we all know that with Kim Swan, when he believes strongly in something he is going to speak out about it.

"And he believes, as I do, that when you breach the constitution that is the highest law of the land."Speaking of the libel threat Mr. Dunkley said: "I think he is just trying to intimidate Kim Swan and pick on the United Bermuda Party but enough is enough. Ithink he was hoping that Kim would retract the comments. It's an air of intimidation that he wants to proliferate throughout Bermuda."Mr. Dunkley listed instances in which he believed the Premier tried to use intimidation to get his way. The list including the Premier's attempt to oust Civil Service head Kenneth Dill, the loyalty oath he placed before Cabinet members, his ban on his spokespeople speaking to Bermuda's only daily newspaper, his handling of the New York tourism office and requirement for all cabs to have GPS installed in their vehicle."Idon't think he likes to operate without total control, "Mr. Dunkley said. "And if he feels he is loosing any control he hits out. But you have to respect different opinions."The Senator added that he fully supported Kim Swan's statement and believed the other Opposition MPs would stand behind the leader.