THE OPPOSITION People's National Party (PNP) has taken issue with aspects of statements made by Prime Minister Bruce Golding, describing them as "war rhetoric".

Golding on Sunday called on supporters of the governing Jamaica Labour Party to be prepared to defend his admi-nistration against the criticism that could follow his statement in the debate on the first Supplementary Estimates.

However, PNP Chairman Robert Pickersgill said yesterday that "it is regrettable that the prime minister would make statements that could be interpreted as a pre-emptive strike against legitimate criticism and alternative opinions regarding the path that the country and indeed the Government should take in addressing the severe economic conditions."

He added: "The only conclusion could be that, instead of pushing for consultation and partnership, the Prime Minister is seeking to increase tensions and conflict," Pickersgill said.