Senate as Government members took swipes at The Royal Gazette .

Sen. Michael Scott (PLP) called for reporters to be more responsible and reflective.

He then added: "The Government is aware of these failures and initiatives will be put in place to deal with it.'' He also said there was "a need to increase and improve the level and standards of journalism''.

Independent Sen. Walwyn Hughes said the debate concerned him.

He said: "I'm getting disturbed by the continual bashing of the Press.'' He said the local Press was not perfect, but he was worried about what was implied by Sen. Scott's remarks.

And Sen. Scott's PLP colleague Milton Scott acted quickly to diffuse the issue.

He said there was "no initiative to control any aspect of the Press. We all have a responsibility to act ethically.'' He said the civil service and other employees had to act under codes of practice, but the Press had no such guidelines.

But he added that the Press was something the Government would have to live with.

He said: "There are plenty of knockers, that is what politics is all about...'' After the meeting Sen. Scott clarified his statement, hinting that a Press Council might be needed.

He said: "I'm concerned about responsible journalism and the researching of stories and to see that the final product reflects a factual basis and is accurate.

"There is no Press Council in this country and it may be that a Press Council will be a vehicle to address some of the concerns of an unregulated Press.

"If a Press Council is implemented as a Government initiative, then it will be a good thing.'' Asked if he thought biased reporting was at fault, Sen. Scott said: "I'm not saying its biased reporting but it's often irresponsible aimed at pursuing an agenda.'' He added: "Traditionally The Royal Gazette has the ease and habit of supporting the UBP. I'm not saying they didn't criticise them, but they earned the reputation of being a pro-UBP paper by and large...'' Sen. Scott said he knew he had opened a can of worms by his words in the Senate chamber.

But he added: "Maybe the can of worms needed to be opened. But I don't want to regulate the Press. The Press must be free.'' The Royal Gazette contacted Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb to see if moves for a Press monitoring body were in the pipeline, but she refused to comment.