Donal Smith, the Deputy Mayor of Hamilton, is not fit for public office, according to Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy.The Minister has written to Mayor Graeme Outerbridge to say that he should consider asking his deputy to resign from office as a result of comments he made on a television talk show.The Minister's letter to the Mayor, obtained by this newspaper, says: “It is shocking that in this day and age an elected official could attack homosexuals in this manner.“In addition, his commentary regarding international business is completely unacceptable, especially given the value of the industry to Bermuda's economy.“As Deputy Mayor, the reputational risks associated with these comments is potentially quite damaging to Bermuda.“Whilst I understand your position to be that his comments were made in a private capacity, given his public position it is expected that the Deputy Mayor should issue a public apology and that you, as Mayor should consider inviting him to resign from office.“I am happy to discuss this matter further on Monday, but would expect it to have been resolved prior to then.“Should you wish to discuss this matter further, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.”The development is another setback for relations between Government and the Corporation of Hamilton.Yesterday, the Home Affairs Minister sent a press release announcing Government's “grave concerns” about Mr Smith's derogatory remarks.The release was almost identical to the letter written directly to Mr Outerbridge, but did not contain the sentiment that the Mayor should consider inviting Mr Smith to resign.The official release said: “given his [Mr Smith's] public position it is expected that the Deputy Mayor should at least issue a public apology and (the Minister) has further requested that the Mayor consider other steps that could be taken in respect of Mr Smith.“Mr Smith's comments were saddening, regrettable and just plain deplorable, and I feel confident in saying that his remarks are not representative of the majority of Bermudians.“I hope that the Deputy Mayor takes a long hard look at what he said and reconsider his position.”The release added that a meeting between the matter will be added to the agenda at a Minister and the City Council on Monday.On the programme “Issues”, Mr Smith launched a withering attack on homosexuality, referring to homosexuals as “freaks”, while claiming that anyone who supports same sex marriage is “condemned”.International business, he offered, “has attributed [sic] to the cause of our social fabric being sort of fragmented.”The show was pre taped and aired on cable television on Thursday night.Mr Smith is at an international conference in South American on City Council business.Mr Outerbridge has distanced himself and the City Council from the remarks saying they were made in a private capacity.“The statements attributed in the daily newspaper to Deputy Mayor Donal Smith are his own opinions and thoughts and in no way reflect the thinking and sentiments of the Council of the City of Hamilton.“These comments were made during an interview on a religious television programme. We respect everyone's right to freedom of speech,” the Mayor said.