Opposition leader Grant Gibbons has voiced his dismay that parliamentary colleague John Barritt has been forced out of his law firm because of political commitments.

Appleby, Spurling and Hunter boss Peter Bubenzer said Mr. Barritt had been given a choice between staying at the company or remaining in politics ? and chose the latter.

Mr. Barritt, who joined AS&K, as it was formerly known, in 1986 and became a partner in 1990, will leave at the end of next month, The Bermuda Sun reported on Wednesday.

Yesterday Dr. Gibbons said the move set a bad precedent.

He said: "I think it's disgraceful that John Barritt was put in the position of having to leave AS&H because of his desire to continue to serve not only the country but his constituents as an MP.

"It has always been difficult to get individuals involved in politics and public service because of the time commitments involved.

"I think it's become more difficult in recent years. All of us understand Bermuda depends on having qualified individuals elected to the House to ensure we continue as a stable, well run country.

"Having lawyers I believe is particularly important because they understand not only the legislative process but law as well.

"One of the reasons there are lots of lawyers in other Governments around the world is because of this training and their professional interest is well suited to dealing with legislative issues.

"I believe AS&H, like a lot of law firms, has certainly benefited over the years from Bermuda's position as a well run stable jurisdiction for both local and international business.

"In fact I think its fair to say a number of lawyers from AS&H have been members of the legislature and have made a significant contribution."

He said it was important that law firms and businesses generally supported participation in public service and politics.

"Fortunately there are a number of firms out there which are supportive and recognise the need for employees to become involved in public service."

"I think it's very short sighted and indeed shameful for AS&H in this case not to support John Barritt, particularly in view of his long service and contribution to public service. It seems to me to be a terrible message to send to young Bermudians."

He said employees involved in public service needed a give and take relationship with employers which often meant working evening and weekends to make up time.

However Dr. Gibbons said he did not favour shifting House sessions from Fridays to weekday evenings.

He said: "I am a little doubtful you could get the kind of continuity you have during a full day on Friday.

"Sometimes a particular piece of legislation takes a long time to debate, particularly in committee."

Mr. Barritt, who earned a six-figure sum at the law firm, has yet to line a new job up.

He said he was "surprised and disappointed" by his company's stance and had hoped to continue in the firm after stepping down as partner following the General Election last year.

He said he could not estimate how much time he spent on politics but he said party meetings took up five hours on two evenings a week while it was only possible to do around two hours of work at the office when the House was sitting.

He is in favour of independent auditors revising MPs salaries to reflect the time spent on the job.

The case highlights the amount of time MPs spend on their political work while balancing other careers.

Government committed itself to full-time Cabinet members in the last Budget but Community Affairs and Sports Dale Butler said there was a need for full-time MPs.

Currently he juggles his job with a training post at restaurant group MEF and has worked from 5 a.m. until midnight since August but said it was now taking its toll.

He said of full-time MPs: "Then perhaps all MPs wouldn't have to worry about a conflict of interest. That's been a big issue.

"Every time they order a sandwich and its from one of our restaurants you wonder if they purchase from everybody. It would rule out that issue.

"It makes it a lot easier for people like Barritt and others."

He said the Caymans gave a decent financial package for MPs with an allowance to cover office and secretarial expenses whereas he had been forced to fight for a pair of scissors to call his own when he first got elected.

"It took forever to get computers. I worked hard on that."

He plans to take time off in June to see his constituents on the doorstep.

"In Bermuda people expect to see you on the doorstep. When you get there they don't have anything to tell you but they still want to see you."

He said evening House sittings would not be the way forward because they could lead to tired decisions.