With three candidates vying for the highest seat in Government, the public are divided as to who should be the next Premier.

The Royal Gazette spoke to Bermudians yesterday to find their opinions on Terry Lister, Paula Cox and Dale Butler, the three people who have stepped forward to replace Premier Ewart Brown.

For most of those questioned, the big issues were who was going to do the most for the Island's economy, and who, if anyone, could bring Bermudians together.

James Walker said between the three candidates, he was leaning towards Ms Cox because of her background as the Finance Minister.

"It's between Ms Cox and Mr. Lister right now, but Ms Cox seems like the better option." he said. "The big issue is the economy, people losing their jobs, and those two seem to know what they're doing on that front. Butler is a nice guy. I like him, but I'm not sure he can lead the country."

Ciera Woods agreed, saying: "I like Mr. Butler, but I don't know what type of experience he has with the financial side of things. Stores are closing down everywhere and people are having a difficult time getting by. Something needs to be done."

Jevon Daniels said Mrs. Cox's commitment to the PLP should win her the slot.

He said: "I think Ms Cox has the experience and we know where she stands. We can trust her."

While Ms Cox's supporters stressed her financial experience, her critics questioned if she could bring Bermuda together.

Florian James said he thought it was unlikely any of the potential leaders would be able to bring Bermuda together, but of the three, he said Mr. Butler had the best chance.

"Ms Cox isn't going to be able to bring people together under anything," he said. "Mr. Butler might, but Ms Cox won't. I think she would do better than Dr. Brown did. She's not as loud."

Others, like Simon Turner, said that her position as Deputy Premier under Dr. Brown would make it more difficult for his opponents to accept her.

"I think Ms Cox is too close to Dr. Brown," he said. "She's nowhere near as inflammatory, but I find it hard to believe that there's going to be a huge change in how things are handled."

Mr. Turner said he hoped Mr. Butler would win the election, but with many in the Cabinet supporting Ms Cox, he said it didn't seem likely.

"I think he stepped on a few too many toes when he spoke out against Dr. Brown. They will probably want a team player, and that's Ms Cox."

Paula Fox said she doubted anyone would be able to fully mend the rifts between Bermudians. "They all talk about bringing people together, but I'm not sure if any of them will be able to do it," she said. "There's a lot of history, and not everyone seems to want to let go of it, both white and black."

While few of the people The Royal Gazette spoke to said that Mr. Lister was their preferred choice, many said that it was still to early to make a decision.

Judith Raynor said she wouldn't make up her mind until she heard the details of that the candidates want to do.

"I think I have to wait until I hear more," she said. "I have no idea who I'd go with at this point. I'm still not quite sure how any of them stand. They all seem to be saying the same sort of thing."

Asked which of the three candidates he would most support, George Outerbridge said: "Is none of the above an answer? Nothing is really going to change here."