From the heart of Hamilton to the back of town, one word summed up the news of Premier David Saul's resignation: Surprise.

As the news spread yesterday, Bermudians were asked to stand back and ponder the political landscape and pick an obvious successor; but if comments to The Royal Gazette are any indication, the only consensus is that there is no consensus.

"It came as quite a shock. Someone told me about it at work and I questioned whether they had the right person,'' said Edith Caines of Hamilton Parish.

Works Minister C.V. (Jim) Woolridge seems like an obvious successor, said Mrs.

Caines, because he has battled for the top post before.

"I haven't really given it a lot of thought. Mr. Woolridge just stands out and to the extent that I know him he seems to have a wonderful personality,'' she said.

Twenty-six-year-old Paul Lambert of Southampton told The Royal Gazette he was caught entirely off guard by the Premier's resignation.

"Someone just told me; I'm kind of disappointed. I think he should've stayed in a little longer.'' A corporate administrator at the law firm of Conyers, Dill & Pearman, Mr.

Lambert said whoever steps into the Premier's shoes should have the same characteristics as Dr. Saul: "Down to earth, straightforward, someone who will do well for the community.'' While Mr. Woolridge would make a good caretaker Premier, the only person qualified, said Mr. Lambert, is ironically the man leaving the post, David Saul. "I can't really see anyone else.'' Paget construction worker Kenneth Boyle said he pays little attention to politics, but thought Dr. Saul had been a "pretty good'' Premier.

"Just goes to show you anything can happen, still I was surprised to hear it.'' "I heard it over the radio at work and I was shocked,'' said financial controller Judith Bussell. "It's rather unfortunate timing, however.'' Meanwhile the Warwick resident said the only obvious successor is former Environment Minister Ann Cartwright DeCouto: "I can't think of anyone else.

(Home Affairs Minister) Quinton Edness maybe; he'd make a good caretaker Premier.'' Butterfield & Steinhoff accountant Ken O'Neill told The Royal Gazette the Premier's resignation came much earlier than expected.

"I thought he'd lead us into the next election and then step down. I think he was doing a reasonable job under the circumstances,'' he said.

The Premier's successor, he added, should be politically experienced and able to bring the United Bermuda Party together: "It's too difficult to tell right now. We'll just have to wait and see.'' Southampton taxi driver George Ray greeted the "surprise'' news with mixed emotions.

"He (Dr. Saul) didn't seem to be too well liked as Premier. He was not very popular among some people and was taking a lot of flak from the public and from his own party.'' Meanwhile Acting Premier Jerome Dill is the man to lead the UBP into the next election, said Mr. Ray. "He's young, ambitious, and intelligent; but again I guess the UBP would prefer (Grant) Gibbons.

At the entrance to the Bermuda Industrial Union's headquarters, many had no idea that the Island had just lost its Premier.

"I'm surprised and shocked,'' said 22-year-old Ryan Fox of Hamilton Parish.

"I wonder what's going to happen now in Bermuda.'' Road runner Glenn Williams, said his old running adversary was a good Premier.

"As far as I know Dr. Saul is OK,'' he said. "I used to compete with him in road races and he used to beat me all the time. When he got put in office I said if he could beat me then he could be an all right Premier.'' Several people expressed scepticism about the reason behind Dr. Saul's sudden departure from politics.

"I can't believe it,'' said 21-year-old Dilawn Lambert from Pembroke. "I was shocked when I heard it. He's been in office such a short time. I wonder if there's more to it than what he told us.'' "There must be a reason why he resigned,'' claimed Tracy Woolridge. "I'd like the Government to resign because the people are tired, something has to got to change.'' Judith Bussell Edith Caines Paul Lambert Ken O'Neill George Ray