A rebel Government backbencher last night hit back at claims that concerns raised by dissident MPs of the party were “airy fairy”.

The MP, who would not be named for fear of reprisals, said the concerns raised by some members of the Progressive Labour Party Government were very valid points that should not be taken lightly.

The backbencher said: “This is not a frivolous issue and it's not a petty issue, as some people have claimed.

“The one thing we are sure about is that we don't want to destroy the party. This is most definitely not a party issue. We have raised concerns, and they are very real concerns. Now we want to try to resolve them.”

The Royal Gazette revealed last Saturday how backbenchers had demanded an extraordinary meeting last week to discuss their concerns on some issues, as well as Premier Jennifer Smith's leadership.

There, Ms Smith was urged to resign, but refused. A vote was then held, which resulted in a nine-nine hung decision. Seven backbenchers and two Cabinet Ministers voted against the Premier, while eight Ministers voted in favour of the Premier. Ms Smith also used her own vote.

But this week, staunch Smith supporters backbencher Delaey Robinson - her St. George's North running mate - and Attorney General Dame Lois Browne-Evans labelled the concerns “airy fairy”.

Dame Lois went so far as to say that if anyone was asked, they would say that the issues raised by the rebel MPs were “petty”.

Backbenchers have complained that they are repeatedly left out in the cold on a number of policy issues, including Bermuda's intention to join Caricom and changes to the Constitution.

But it is also Ms Smith's management style that is believed to be behind the campaign to oust her.

A number of backbenchers have complained in the past that they can no longer get to Ms Smith since she became Premier.

Although no one was named as a possible replacement for Ms Smith last week, a number of people have been suggested.

Frontrunners include Dr. Ewart Brown, Paula Cox, Alex Scott and Arthur Hodgson, although backbencher Reginald Burrows has also been listed by some as a favourite.

One PLP MP said they favoured Mr. Burrows because he was a solid individual with the ability to bridge the gap between blacks and whites.

They said: “I know some people might think he is a quiet man, but that is because of the situation he has been in.

“If you are not in the loop, why would you jump up and down and make noise about everything? It's hard for you to support anything or anyone when you are not even being acknowledged. As a leader of any kind, you would be asking for blind support and that is not the best way to operate.

“But there are several issues here. There is the issue of Colonel David Burch. The Premier thinks he is doing a great job. She says he is doing tremendous things for her image. He's part of the big problem, as well.”

But the source said they, too, were keen to make sure the good of the party was put first.

They added: “We have a lot of very positive things about the party, but we feel we have to sort the negative things out first.”

Last night, backbencher Mr. Burrows was asked if he would ever consider standing as Premier.

He said it was not something he had considered, adding: “I have no intention of contesting an election, but if the party wanted me to be the Premier and everyone was in agreement, then, for the party's sake, I would do it.

“I will not comment further than that.”

But it is understood that the comments made by Dame Lois upset more than just the backbench this week.

Not only did the Attorney General claim that the backbenchers concerns were “petty”, but she also said she believed Ms Smith was the only member of Government capable of doing the job.

She said no one else had the “stamina and fortitude” to complete the work Government still had to do.

But since her remarks were published, three PLP sources have told The Royal Gazette that feathers were ruffled among the Government benches.

One source said: “Of course, people are upset. It doesn't make the PLP look very good when someone says that no one else can do the job. There is an awful lot of talent in Government.”

Another said: “The Premier might have a lot of support, but that does not mean she is the only one in Government with the ability to lead. A lot of people think differently to the Attorney General.”

It is understood that members of the backbench met, as usual, on Tuesday, and the whole party will gather for their weekly caucus meeting next Wednesday. Last night's was cancelled due to the holiday.

However, insiders said the Premier may call another meeting, possibly on Monday, to discuss the unity issue among her MPs when she returns to the Island today from the opening of Parliament in the Bahamas.

The United Bermuda Party has stayed quiet throughout the whole rebel backbench affair so far, however, leader Dr. Grant Gibbons did say he was watching the situation closely to see what transpired.

He said: “It's clearly an internal matter for the Progressive Labour Party to resolve. We are watching it, like many other people in the country.

“But, if it drags on for too long without resolution, it will certainly affect their ability to Govern and that could have an impact on the country's well-being.”

A PLP member who attended the party's Central Committee meeting on Monday night, who did not wish to be named, said a lot of feelings were vented, and opinions expressed, but everyone had now “kissed and made up”.

He said: “We all felt the true objective of what the PLP stands for was the goal we all wanted, and any differences would be satisfied.

“We embraced each other in the honest belief that we will go forward.” made up. After an open venting of feelings, we all settled our differences and agreed to move on together. Having achieved that, everyone felt good about it, they embraced and felt good at the end result. We all felt the true objective of what the PLP stands for was the goal we all wanted and any differences would be satisfied. Embraced each other in the honest belief that we will go forward.

“It is accepted that there was a vote both for and against and that the Premier came out on top and as such she is due the support of everyone.

“Strong views were expressed, but it was accepted

“The ultimate goal of the PLP is more valuable than any one person. Within the platform the PLP clearly states that their mission is to lift up the downtrodden and to provide opportunities to those who feel they had no hope in employment, housing, education and so on .. to those who would be normally outside the loop.

“That's our goal so by venting our feelings and clearing the air, we are all in a better position to go forward together.”