Chief Reporter Matthew Taylor looks at the front-runners and outside chances in the United Bermuda Party leadership race:

MICHAEL DUNKLEY

Now the frontrunner in the leadership race Michael Dunkley has built up a solid reputation since entering parliament at the 1998 election. Keen to take on meaty issues he has garnered a large range of contacts in the community and was the first to blow the cover on the BHC scandal which is still rumbling to this day. He has shown he can pick up black support by easily winning Devonshire East but he might have bitten off more than he can chew by switching to PLP-held Smith’s North. Indeed that typically gung-ho act could backfire as he risks becoming the first UBP leader to lose his seat straight after being selected — unless a rumoured change of heart proves true and he stays put. His direct manner could give his party the fire-power it is sorely lacking against the more aggressive Ewart Brown. But it’s yet to be seen how that plays with swing voters who might want something more positive and inspiring. And some MPs might be angry at once again being snagged in an embarrassing leadership spat and stop his leadership bid out of spite. But indications are that he has the numbers to pull it off although the party might want to pick a less abrasive deputy to broaden its appeal.

PATRICIA GORDON-PAMPLIN

Only wild horses have the strength to drag Patricia Gordon-Pamplin into the leadership chair once held by her sister Pamela. But don’t be surprised if a dozen sturdy steeds are seen riding towards UBP central office because she could be just what the party needs at this time. She has grown from being one of the most irritating House of Assembly speakers to one of its most effective and has blossomed since taking on the weighty Finance portfolio. The Budget reply was her finest hour as she berated the Government for wasting time and money and she outflanked its traditional appeal to the poor with a promise to end payroll tax for those earning less than $36,000. However Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin has made it clear that work commitments will make it very difficult for her to accept the top job. But if the party offers her the support which Wayne Furbert so obviously lacked she just might be persuaded.

MAXWELL BURGESS

Has always had leadership ambitions but his colleagues effectively hung him out to dry when he called for Wayne Furbert to stand down and they then waited weeks to come to the same conclusion while not even securing his signature on their motion. While he is known for his political nous some of his florid House of Assembly oratory has left onlookers bemused rather than inspired. Known as a John Swan acolyte some in the party bear grudges over the Independence and McDonalds issues which split the party more than a decade ago. Having said he is standing down at the next election it will require some manoeuvring to convince his colleagues he is the party’s future — although he did leave the door open by saying he would reconsider in different circumstances. Mr. Burgess might be the candidate most likely to pick up disgruntled PLP voters so he could be the smart choice if the party is serious about winning. Likely to hit the ground running with a firm plan if he does get the nod and cobbles together support, Mr. Burgess’s pitch might be that only he is capable of stopping Mr. Furbert from resigning his seat and forcing a messy by-election — but only if the party agrees to unite under his leadership.

DAVID DODWELL

Relatively low profile David Dodwell has emerged as spokesman for the rebel group seeking to turf out Wayne Furbert. But it’s thought Michael Dunkley is the man the seven really want in the throne. Mr. Dodwell might emerge as compromise candidate because he has a deep appreciation of the widespread reform the party needs to make. Has cross-over appeal with black voters as was witnessed when he won Southampton East Central which has similar demographics to some PLP safe seats.

BOB RICHARDS

Has enjoyed some good performances in the Senate beavering away at the PLP’s economic record and appears to be making an effort to talk the people’s language rather than overdo the intellectual rhetoric. But his failure to get elected doesn’t bode well for his nces.

JOHN BARRITT

An outsider who did not sign the motion calling for Wayne Furbert to go Mr. Barritt could emerge as a compromise candidate if the party remains deadlocked.

GRANT GIBBONS

The party might be unlikely to revert to a leader they spent a year trying to dump but some insiders believe Dr. Gibbons might be tempted to run again. But having taken them to defeat in 2003 it will look odd for the party to turn the clock back after two solid years of leadership wrangling.