Scott Simmons may well be fighting for his job as the ruling party?s Public Relations Officer following statements which left him sounding more like Opposition Leader Grant Gibbons than a loyal party official.

Mr. Simmons, who told the Bermuda Sun that Premier Alex Scott?s approval rating had dropped because of concerns in the community about ?personal rights? and that the party and the Government faced a ?credibility issue?.

Yesterday Mr. Simmons was at pains to clarify his remarks when contacted by .

He said he was simply acknowledging concerns held by the community.

?I was not agreeing that there was a credibility issue, I was simply acknowledging the fact that these issues had been raised in the community. They had been raised in the community ... And I beg to differ. I felt strongly that while these things are felt in the community, it is one thing to acknowledge that some in the general public feel that way, but as far as I am concerned, as far as the party is concerned, we realise that we conduct our affairs at the highest level. But that these accusations are made has not escaped our notice,? Mr. Simmons said.

The Sun had reported poll results which showed that Mr. Scott?s approval rating had dropped to 47. 5 percent, from 80 percent in November last year.

?The direct reason for this plummet in numbers is that the Bermudian public are concerned about their personal rights and whether the Government is planning on creating legislation based on morality issues ? people don?t want that,? was Mr. Simmons? analysis apparently referring to the Premier?s involvement in the taxi dispute and anti-gaming legislation.

?I think that is a misspeak. I was trying to make a valid point and it came out wrong,? Mr. Simmons said when it was pointed out that those were probably the views of the Opposition.

?I don?t think there is anyone around who is more supportive of the party and I feel strongly that we are doing the right things, that we are answering community concerns and we are making the effort to address them and we are doing a good job in doing just that.?

Mr. Simmons added: ?As far as I am concerned, I do not feel that there are credibility issues. However I have a responsibility to recognise or at least acknowledge personally when there is a concern in the community ? my comments were merely an acknowledgement of it being out there but I?m certainly not stating that my party has a credibility problem because I don?t think that we do.?

He said there had been no negative reaction to the story from among his ranks. But spoke to three party supporters this week who privately voiced their concerns.

?I hope he doesn?t believe what he is saying,? one said.

?I am aware of one thing and that is ... I speak for the party and I speak for the view of the party and my own personal perceptions in acknowledging the rise and fall (of the poll numbers). Anything outside of that other than an analysis made by the Premier himself would be speculation,? Mr. Simmons continued.

He then declared his complete confidence in the PLP.

?There?s confidence in me, I have confidence in my party and I have confidence in the country?s leadership.

?I believe we are committed and unfortunately our thoughts are not as best conveyed as we would like, or as understood as we would like. It is my personal endeavour to sharpen my thoughts and my presentation, so it reflects exactly where my party is at any given time. We have made every effort to reflect the feelings of the party and will continue to make every effort to do so.?

Mr. Scott could not be reached for comment.