The Progressive Labour Party has reacted angrily to urgings from Opposition MP Grant Gibbons to embrace 'Barack Obama-style' inclusiveness.

Dr. Gibbons claimed the PLP fought a divisive and racially polarised election campaign, which was the antithesis of the Presidet-Elect's campaign, and was unsettling for the international business community.

But hitting back yesterday, PLP spokesman Wentworth Christopher said history showed the Party had always been inclusive.

He said: "He (Dr. Gibbons) should know that those who chose to be 'included' with us were victimised, and by whom.

"He should also know that fear of victimisation made many who shared our beliefs avoid open affiliation."

Mr. Christopher added: "We invite him to ponder who has been excluded, and remember that those who have historically excluded forfeit the right to accuse others of 'excluding'.

"We who were denied equitable participation in the political process were motivated by a 'yes we can' mentality. Our formation in 1963 reflected that belief.

"We remain committed and welcoming to ALL Bermudians. We embrace a diversity of viewpoints and strive for the common good.

"Men and women who care about our future should join us and become an involved part of the political process. We remain inclusive."

But last night Dr. Gibbons said: "I can understand the PLP's defensiveness, given the huge contrast between the divisively negative rhetoric of their last election campaign and Mr. Obama's approach, which was positive, inclusive and based on the principle of a broad coalition of people working together to create positive change – an approach that the United Bermuda Party was founded on.

"In 2004, as Opposition Leader, I invited the current Mayor of Newark, New Jersey, Mr. Cory Booker, to Bermuda to speak on two occasions to members of the United Bermuda Party.

"Mr. Booker's message was remarkably similar to Mr. Obama's and one that we in the United Bermuda Party fully supported.

"I stand by my record on efforts to move toward 'One Bermuda' during my tenure as Opposition Leader and by my comments in the recent The Royal Gazette interview."

Mr. Christopher had also insinuated that Dr. Gibbons was not an Obama supporter but was just trying to jump on the bandwagon.

In response Dr. Gibbons said: "On a personal note, three members of my immediate family are entitled to vote in the United States.

"Having done so, they were delighted to join millions of other supporters around the world in celebrating President-Elect Obama's victory last week."