Brussels gets tough with Portugal over 'discrimination' against two solicitorsALGARVE: 'They'll have to carry me out first' says solicitor as police threaten to shut officeThe European Commission has begun legal action against Portugal following complaints over the treatment of two English solicitors working in the Algarve and serving theex-pat community there.Local police threatened Ronald Swyer and Fiona Swainston with closing down their offices over the alleged illegal practice of law.

To prevent this happening, the solicitors entered into co-operation agreements with Portuguese lawyers in the Faro Bar District.

Under this arrangement, the Portuguese lawyers have their names over the door, with the solicitors listed as consultants.

The Faro Bar told the solicitors that they were prohibited by law from practising independently as foreign legal consultants, or as registered european lawyers under last year's European lawyers' rights of establishment directive as Portugal has not implemented it.

Following Law Society lobbying, the commission has begun infringement proceedings against Portugal for not implementing the directive, which it should have done last year.

So far, Portugal has not replied to an initial 'letter of formal notice'.

If the Portuguese do not comply, the commission will send them a 'reasoned opinion', which will be the basis of the its submission to the European Court of Justice as the ultimate sanction.

Mr Swyer is planning to lodge a private complaint with the Commission to aid the process.

'As far as I can see, there's no sign of [the Portuguese government] implementing the directive,' he said.

'They'll drag this out as long as possible until someone drags them into court and forces them to.' But Mr Swyer said he is determined to see it through to the end.

'They won't get rid of me, that's for sure,' he said.

'They'll have to carry me out first.' Neil Rose