months over the prospect of power.

But the death of Frederick L. Wade -- the Lion King -- could divert their eyes to an equally messy affair: a leadership struggle.

To some observers, the distant roar of a fresh-faced potential champion can already be heard in the political jungle, that of Sen. Terry Lister.

Young, vibrant, active within the Church, and carrying a good head for economics -- the allure of a Lister leadership is obvious.

Others, however, believe Acting Opposition Leader Jennifer Smith has proved herself a worthy Queen-in-waiting.

Politically astute, she has earned praise on both sides of the House of Assembly for her handling of PLP's Education portfolio.

And party insiders place her nearer the mainstream of the PLP -- a safer bet for a party with the whiff of power in its nostrils.

According to the PLP's Constitution, the party leader is elected by a joint meeting of a special delegates conference and the Parliamentary Group.

There will also have to be a by-election in Mr. Wade's Devonshire North constituency.

Last night, politicians on both sides -- reeling at the news of Mr. Wade's death -- were reluctant to talk publicly about a successor. It was felt too early to begin that discussion.

But privately they saw Sen. Lister and Ms Smith as the only likely heirs.

"These are the two who immediately come to mind. I can't think of anybody else,'' said one Government Minister.

Another politician listed Shadow Labour Minister Alex Scott and Shadow Human Affairs Minister Ewart Brown as dark horses, with the guile and political savvy to head the party.

"Mr. Scott is a very clever Parliamentarian with a high-profile,'' he said.

About two years ago, Sen. Lister, then aged 40, stunned Bermuda and many in his party with a failed attempt to topple Mr. Wade.

At the time, the bid came under heavy fire, with former PLP MP Julian Hall accusing Sen. Lister of biting the hand that fed him.

Mr. Hall said the PLP had "a curious habit of...starting to get jittery just on the eve of victory''.

In the early 1980s, for instance, a challenge to Mrs. Lois Browne Evans from Mr. Gilbert Darrell led to the expulsion of several PLP MPs, the formation of the National Liberal Party, and a crushing PLP defeat in the 1985 general election.

PLP leadership fight possible The party would be anxious to avoid such a bloodletting in the wake of Mr.

Wade's death.

While some in the PLP feel Sen. Lister still has to earn his spurs and convince them he would not be more comfortable in the UBP, there is still strong appeal in his leadership.

Political commentators have been hard-pressed to fault Ms Smith.

In November, 1994, she beat Walter Roberts MP in balloting for Deputy Leader in what was hailed a "decisive'' triumph.

Since holding the reins of the PLP while Mr. Wade was sick, she improved her stock by a much-publicised Parliamentary confrontation with Premier David Saul.

In an historic move, she succeeded in pushing through a "motion of censure'' against Dr. Saul over the McDonald's controversy -- a first for a Bermuda Premier.

"Ms Smith is one of the most respected politicians in the House,'' said a Government Minister.