Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy was denounced at length by the Progressive Labour Party as thwarting a Bermudian worker from getting a job, as rancor continued over the Ombudsman’s criticism of the Department of Immigration.

Deputy Opposition Leader David Burt said the One Bermuda Alliance bore collective responsibility for Senator Fahy “telling this woman she does not have the right to work in her own country”.

Calling Sen Fahy “Mr Unaccountable”, Mr Burt added: “He does what he likes, and it seems even the Premier is powerless to stop him.”

Immigration policies steered under Sen Fahy’s watch were deemed the most disruptive element at work in the OBA Government, but junior minister Sylvan Richards defended him as one of the OBA’s most competent ministers.

Tourism and Transport Minister Shawn Crockwell said the tough decisions entailed in Immigration always caused upset — and Premier Michael Dunkley also defended the minister, saying Sen Fahy had consulted him before the Ombudsman’s report came out, and also before he issued his statement in reply.