The Opposition has rejected Michael Dunkley’s open e-mail facility, launched this week as askyourpremier@gov.bm, as a “desperate pre-election campaign item”.

However, the One Bermuda Alliance told them to “get over it” and dismissed the Progressive Labour Party’s contention that the move reflected political desperation over low ratings in polls.

The Premier announced the e-mail address on Monday, citing the need for “frank, honest and collaborative discussions” through enhanced engagement with the community.

A PLP statement branded it “another electioneering tactic to win over the people, with little to no substance behind it”, noting Mr Dunkley’s existing range of social media accounts, as well as resources from the Department of Communication and the party’s own consultants.

It was called an attempt “to appear to be open and transparent to the people of Bermuda”.

An OBA reply described yesterday’s statement as misinformation, maintaining that both the party and Mr Dunkley showed a decisive lead over the Opposition in polls.

“The Premier set up the e-mail address ‘askyourpremier@gov.bm’ to expand opportunities for Bermudians to get answers to questions they might have about government programmes and initiatives,” the response said.

“The Progressive Labour Party has a problem with this. We urge them to get over it.”