"Premier Williams’ recent suggestion that the Premier’s Office in Corner Brook was in a state of disrepair are simply untrue," said Mr. Joyce. "When I left the office in November it was in good condition. Inspectors with the Department of Works, Services and Transportation did regular inspections and maintenance on all aspects of the office. Any suggestion by the Premier that these skilled individuals would allow this office to fall into a state of disrepair are insulting and an attack on their professional reputations.

"Regularly scheduled maintenance was completed every year and there were never any issues with regard to the quality and professionalism of that office. Many meetings have been held there with former Premiers, federal and provincial cabinet ministers, and regional mayors and I have never received a negative comment about its appearance or state of repair.

"The Premier should be truthful and up front with the people of the province. My understanding is that he did not like the colour of the paint in the office, nor did he like the carpet. These are the real reasons that over $10,000 was spent on these non-essential superficial items.

"If the Premier wants to spend over $10,000 on luxury items while asking everyone else in the province to make sacrifices, it is his right to do so. However, I suggest he apologize to the public servants he has insulted by suggesting that they failed to do their job in an effective manner over the past several years."