Samuda ... If Mrs Simpson Miller comes with that attitude as leader of the opposition - it is such a redundant approach and it is so out of keeping with what people are expecting today of responsible opposition. - file

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) General Secretary Karl Samuda yesterday labelled criticisms of the Government, levelled on the weekend by Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller, as irresponsible.

Following her reconfirmation as party president after Saturday night's win over her opponent, Dr Peter Phillips, Simpson Miller declared she would strengthen the party to topple what she described as an "uncaring" JLP government if a general election is called.

Her style

Samuda told The Gleaner yesterday that Simpson Miller's remark was typical of her style of leadership and irresponsible.

"If Mrs Simpson Miller comes with that attitude as leader of the opposition - it is such a redundant approach and it is so out of keeping with what people are expecting today of responsible opposition," Samuda scoffed.

He said Simpson Miller's utterance was aimed at scoring political points and lacked good sense.

"When she reduces the argument to a level of not caring, it is unbecoming of a political leader and certainly one who has taken the mantle of office. It is a step in the wrong direction, but one has become accustomed to Mrs Simpson Miller's utterances that are out of step with what people expect of her," he said.

Samuda said while Simpson Miller should be congratulated on her victory, the JLP was confident that she and the PNP would remain in opposition in spite of her utterances.

"She has retained her job. She had it before and she lost the election and she will lose it again. So, it really is nothing dramatic as far as we are concerned," Samuda said.