Three months ago he branded them sports terrorists but just three days before International Race Weekend, Sports Minister Dale Butler is backing the Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA) to "do a great job".

When the 2005 edition of the athletics showpiece was temporarily called off late last year, Butler was at the front of a considerable queue of athletes and administrators quick to criticise the, at-times, controversial governing body.

His 'sports terrorist' comment also prompted BTFA president Judy Simmons' resignation as chairman of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) council.

But his negative view of the organisation ? "They have assured us they are professional and we have to take their word at that but it certainly remains to be seen" ? appears to have thawed, or at least become significantly more diplomatic, in recent weeks.

"I have no doubt that the BTFA are going to do a great job as they always do," he said in relation to this weekend's events, although entry numbers have been hit slightly by the on/off nature of pre-event publicity.

"They have a great record of producing on the field, as it were, and I expect that to be no different this time around.

"The sporting community are all really looking forward to a great display of athletic ability and if the weather is nice, and it never normally is, we can all expect to be on the receiving end of a real treat.

"I have nothing but admiration for the BTFA and I expect them to do a great job of organising this event, as they always do."

His enthusiasm and optimism were badly missed in October when the BTFA announced that International Race Weekend was cancelled due to a lack of finances and only a substantial donation from avuncular philanthropist David Barber alongside an $80,000 Government lifeline have saved the event.

In the ensuing days of mud slinging, Butler warned the BTFA to "clean up their act", athletes at home and abroad came forward with tales of non-payment of prize-money and Tourism Minister Ewart Brown made bold statements that directly contradicted those from Butler and the BTFA.

The mess was eventually cleaned up and now all the parties appear to be, at least in public, all pitching from the same bullpen.

"This is a very important event for tourism," continued Butler, who will not be adding to his five previous appearances on the roads over Race Weekend.

"And it does a lot for Bermuda's position on the athletics map. When I was at the Olympics, I spoke to a number of athletes from other nations who had heard of Bermuda because of Race Weekend and said they would be interested in competing here.

"Even though I am not running this time, I am very much looking forward to it."