A former Premier has warned the UBP Government risks losing the next election unless it pulls itself together.

Government has been hit by a series of defeats in the House of Assembly as the `People's Five' refused to toe the party line.

Now former Warwick West MP Sir John Sharpe says the UBP must heal its internal wounds or face the possibility of losing the electorate's support.

"One cannot underestimate the seriousness of the present situation -- the disunity within the Party -- and undoubtedly unless it pulls itself together soon it will adversely affect its ability to win the next election,'' he said.

During the last Parliamentary session Government was stymied on two base lands Acts -- although they were subsequently passed when re-introduced.

It also saw the controversial Prohibited Restaurants Act, banning McDonald's, go through and a motion of censure against Premier, David Saul, passed.

All the defeats came when the `Five' -- UBP backbenchers Ann Cartwright DeCouto, Jim Woolridge, Dr. Clarence Terceira, Trevor Moniz and Dr. David Dyer -- voted against the Government.

Sir John declined to comment on what steps Dr. Saul should take to restore Party unity saying he did have some ideas -- which were better discussed privately.

"It cannot be denied that the almost three years since the last general election have been tumultuous ones for the Party and the Government as it has wrestled with the issues of independence, the economy, the bases and a change in leadership.

"Unfortunately the public displays of disunity within the Government has tended to obscure the good news for which Government can take considerable credit -- improving the economy and the effective work being done with respect to the base lands.'' Sir John added: "Admittedly in the present circumstances it is difficult to see how reconciliation within the Party can be achieved.

"But one cannot underestimate a political party's instinct for survival.'' The House broke for the summer last Monday and will not meet again until November.

Opposition Progressive Labour Party Leader Frederick Wade described the last session as disorganised because of Government's lack of harmony and unity and an inability to get to grips with problems.

"In the last few meetings at the House we were asked to debate six or seven major pieces of legislation.

"We are waiting for an election and I have no advice for the Premier whatsoever on how to heal the split in the Government.'' Last night, Bermuda academic Dr. Archie Hallett described the antics in the House as a "circus'' with Government's dirty linen being washed in public. He also suggested reducing the number of MPs.

"We have this massive House which, for the size of the Island, is overkill,'' said Dr. Hallett.

According to Dr. Hallett, a former president of the Bermuda College, granting the franchise was logical but obviously politically unacceptable.

"This seems to be the core of the problem that has plagued the Government all the way through. The `People's Five' seem to be doing their best to address what they see as a wrong.

"The Premier should not resign, but he should be holding meetings around the table to mend a few fences.

"Most of us on the street who are not politically interested see it as a circus going on up there at the House and we are not sure we voted those people in to play at a circus. We thought they would be doing the people's business.''