Opposition leader Kim Swan has blasted the Premier for leaving the Island on the day the Auditor General delivered his critical report on Government spending.

Mr. Swan said in the Motion to Adjourn in the House of Assembly on Wednesday that Dr. Ewart Brown was unprofessional and urged the few Government members present to take action against this injustice.

He said: "It's a sad day in Bermuda politics. Bermudians have been challenged to live more frugally during this economic crisis but the example set by the Government, the ministers and the administrations is deplorable."

The Opposition leader recalled that during his career in politics both as a senator and MP he had his affairs scrutinised by the Auditor General and got a clean bill every time.

He then urged and invited the two Progressive Labour Party Ministers and four Government backbenchers present in the House to join the United Bermuda Party, who were all in attendance.

"Where are the Government? To the backbenchers and the two Government Ministers come across the floor and join us. We can take this Country," he said.

Mr. Swan added: "I am appalled that the Premier thought it important to send a ministerial statement to flog the Auditor General but not address the problems in his own Government. It's unprofessional.

"This Premier spends more time out of the country than in the country. There was a time when TheRoyal Gazette would report who was the acting Premier for the day. They don't do it anymore but it's interesting to see who is the acting Premier for the day."

Turning his attention to members of the PLP who were present during the debate, he said: "I know there are many members sitting on that side who would agree that they're upset that their Premier is not here. The time has come for the Progressive Labour Party to take stock of where it is."

On Wednesday, the Premier called for the Governor to ask Auditor General, Larry Dennis, to resign. On ZBM he claimed the post of Auditor General had become politicised and that Mr. Dennis was "decidedly anti-government".

And in a statement read out on his behalf in the House, Premier Dr. Ewart Brown said: "One can only surmise that as retirement looms, the Auditor has determined to depart with a bang. I am left to question the motives behind the considerable resources and efforts devoted to the preparation of this Report."

UBP MP John Barritt said he was upset at the attack on the Auditor General for doing his job and said: "We all know there is bad history between the Auditor General and the Government but he has a job to do. He was the same way when the UBP was in office as he is now with the PLP in office."

Mr. Barritt added: "I think it's wrong for him to be attacked but it's definitely wrong to do it behind a ministerial statement."

He then referred to President Obama who recently named one of their government's "most aggressive, experienced government investigators" to oversee spending of the stimulus package and said the same thing had to be done in Bermuda.

"People in Bermuda deserve and expect more than they are getting. We're failing and Bermuda is falling behind. Our current state is hopeless and inadequate," he said.

Shadow Minister Cole Simons said he saw the Premier as the equivalent of a CEO of the Country and questioned the CEO's transparency.

"The Auditor General is here to help ensure best practice is enforced. What do you have to hide? A successful CEO would welcome transparency and ensure that best practices are enforced.

"I question if the Premier is concerned in taking this Government to another level. A good CEO listens and takes recommendations.

"When the Premier gets back on the Island, he needs to sit down with the Auditor General and talk about what's best for the country. Not argue with The Auditor General. Get rid of the attitude."