Resignation calls over Obama joke

The deputy chief minister said he intended no offence

At least 20 States members have called for the resignation of Guernsey's deputy chief minister.

Deputy Bernard Flouquet made a racist joke about US President-elect Barack Obama at a media briefing last week.

The minister, who made an "unequivocal apology", is due to make a statement in the House on Wednesday.

Deputy Barry Brehaut said that was "not good enough". He is one of many politicians who now want Mr Flouquet to resign immediately.

Opinion, however, has been divided. Deputy Mark Dorey said there was no need for Mr Flouquet to "fall on his sword", while Deputy Carla McNulty Bauer said the matter had been blown out of proportion.

'Utmost respect'

After the gaffe on Thursday, Mr Flouquet apologised and said he had "intended no offence whatsoever".

"I have the utmost respect for President-elect Obama," he added.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission said anyone offended by Mr Flouquet's remarks should write directly to him, but declined to comment further.

Earlier, publicist Max Clifford said, in his opinion, Mr Flouquet's joke was wrong, but not racist.

Mr Clifford told BBC News the deputy's apology should be sufficient.