Junior Finance Minister Fitz Jackson yesterday accused the Sunday Observer of sensationalising his complaint about the wage negotiating tactics of the Police Federation, saying that he was only expressing frustration with the approach employed by the cops.

In a statement responding to the newspaper’s lead story, Jackson said, “Not even the most imaginative journalism should headline my assessment of a negotiating tactic to a censure of the police force by the government”.

The headline, he said, had the potential to undermine the professional relationship between the government and the constabulary.

Following is the full text of his statement.

“The headline in the Sunday Observer of September 17th 2006, “Government blasts Police,” achieves sensationalism at the expense of accuracy and objectivity. Its potential to undermine the professional relationship which exists between the government and the police force cannot be ignored.

“As can be readily gleaned from my statements, I was merely expressing the frustration which derives from negotiating tactics, which begin with a demand for “increases that are not just impractical but grossly exceed the demands of other public sector workers who are eligible for the same allowances and emoluments… when you ask for an increase of 75% when the public sector increases are in …the teens, you are not being practical”.

“Not even the most imaginative journalism should headline my assessment of a negotiating tactic to a censure of the police force by the government. This government boasts a proud record of respect for the entire public service, and has repeatedly gone on record to express its appreciation to the police force, whose tireless efforts, often under adverse conditions, have resulted in a sustained decrease of major crimes.

“I look forward to the negotiations with the police force in an environment that takes account of the objective conditions within which we operate.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Observer stands by its headline.