Senators have taken The Royal Gazette to task over a cartoon depicting Premier Craig Cannonier on his knees and dressed in overalls, claiming that the image was “offensive and inappropriate”.

The cartoon appeared in Monday’s edition to illustrate the popularity ratings of the Premier and other political leaders following a survey commissioned by this newspaper.

According to the results of that survey, Mr Cannonier had a popularity rating of 38 percent. Deputy Premier Michael Dunkley, who was depicted in the cartoon standing upright and wearing a suit, scored 42 percent, while Opposition leader Marc Bean, who was shown working industriously behind a desk, scored the highest mark of 48 percent. Deputy Opposition leader Derrick Burgess, portrayed wearing Bermuda shorts scored 27 percent.

During yesterday’s Motion to Adjourn in the Upper House, Government Senator Jeff Baron asked why the Premier was depicted in an “inappropriate” way.

Sen Baron said he wanted to ask the editor for “an explanation as to why you chose to depict the leader of this country in such a way.”

And Senate Leader, Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy, also expressed concern at what he described as “an insult”.

“I don’t like attacking the Press but that article had my curiosity,” he said.

“The imagery of this is unacceptable and I am grateful to hear cross-party condemnation.”