proof, Shadow Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley claimed last night.

Mr. Dunkley -- in a hard-hitting speech to Sandys Rotary members -- said: "There is increasing dissatisfaction with the Government throughout many areas of Bermuda today, which is illustrated publicly on radio talk shows, letters to the papers and even PLP faithful Alvin Williams banging his party via a weekly column two weeks ago.'' He added: "In response to the disappointment, the Government distributes a pricey, printed composition, which on review is actually a clear indication of what has not been accomplished to date -- although it does contain a partial laundry list of UBP projects and initiatives left for the new Government to complete.'' Mr. Dunkley said Government had "cloaked themselves in secrecy away from the public'' and dodged the media.

He added: "I am sure the public have 500 questions for this Government.

"I guess you could start with a rational explanation for larger, oversized GP cars, why massive increases in travel expenditure, where is the promised affordable housing, why over $24 million has been allocated to fast ferries, how did a requested pre-Budget cut in spending result in increased borrowing, where is the promised crackdown on crime and drugs, why have two increases in Land Tax, why an increase in Payroll Tax, why increases to all Government fees and increases to hospital fees?'' And he said: "There is little real legislation brought forward and when it is, it's often flawed or lacks competent consultation. After being rammed through the House, the Senate throws it back for review or changes.'' Mr. Dunkley noted controversial regulations designed to mandate race reporting in the workplace were blocked by Senate, then taken out for a series of road shows by Development and Opposition Minister Terry Lister.

Mr. Dunkley said: "It will be interesting to see if the concerns of business and the public are utilised and woven into an improved CURE legislation.'' And he questioned whether a stream of poor legislation was "bungling at the taxpayers expense''.

He added immigration and work permit policies had caused "a lot of uncertainty and fear'' and fuelled the perception of a "growing wedge'' between Bermudians and expatriate workers.

Mr. Dunkley said education was a major election issue but noted that the Premier had kept the portfolio then "cast it aside'' to "an unelected Senator after a few months''.

And he said that teachers were forced to stage a sick-out to pressure Government, while St. George's Preparatory had to fight to keep two Primary One classes.

Mr. Dunkley added that a group of staff and students at Bermuda College had launched a bid to unseat PLP MP and College chairman Randy Horton "citing the acute lack of leadership at the institution''.

And he said: "What is even more distressing is that the Government continues to try and sweep these issues under the carpet and not inform the community of how they are being addressed.'' He added that attempts to revive the ailing tourism industry had flopped -- with a promised 100 day rescue plan.

Mr. Dunkley said: "Over 500 days have now elapsed and still no sign of a plan. The rescue mission clearly has not been attempted.'' He added: "We've witnessed a lot of travel by all and sundry, a lot of wining and dining in all corners of the world -- elaborate parties with accompanying dancers, singers and musicians.

"Yet every month under the guidance of David Allen we've seen tourism figures fall lower and lower.

"Elaborate tourism parties funded by a budget increase of close to $6 million netted us 10,000 fewer visitors in 1999 and it continues this year with every month worse than 1999.'' Mr. Dunkley said Government had dithered over reports since the last election for 14 months before accepting it had to recruit experienced Police officers from overseas.

Michael Dunkley