Corey Butterfield remains suspended as the public relations officer of the ruling Progressive Labour Party.

And there are no immediate plans to reinstate him, but, according to the party's Secretary General, Neville Tyrell, the PLP has not closed the door on Mr. Butterfield.

Mr. Butterfield began a stint as the party's public relations officer in the summer of 1998 when he took over from Michael Scott, now a Senator.

He continued in the position after the party's victory at the polls in November that same year, but the relationship hit rocky ground soon after his employers, the Hardell Group, went public with the details of a row over a Human Rights Commission issue and allegations of misconduct by Cabinet Minister Terry Lister.

Mr. Butterfield heard he was no longer the party spokesman through the media. At the time Mr. Tyrell said, as a result of "an internal party matter", Mr. Butterfield's "responsibility for public relations has been taken away from him".

Yesterday Mr. Butterfield confirmed that he still had not received any official word on his status.

"There is really no update," said Mr. Tyrell. "It is not a matter the party is addressing at this time." When asked why there had been no official communication to Mr. Butterfield, he said: "That should tell you the door has been left open for Corey... He was temporarily removed from his position as public relations officer. That's all."

Meanwhile, the party's public relations are being handled by Glenn Blakeney.