There are no plans to call an election before the Boundaries Commission Report is debated in the House of Assembly, Government insisted yesterday.

Speculation that debate was delayed to utilise the boundaries in place when Government won the 2007 General Election, was raised by Opposition MP John Barritt.

However there are no such plans, according to Premier Ewart Brown who pointed out that past predictions by the UBP have also been inaccurate.

"It wouldn't matter if Mr. Barritt drew the boundaries himself," a spokesman for Dr. Brown said. "If he really believes there'll be an election this summer, he should prepare."

The Shadow Minister for Legislative Reform and Justice had earlier posited that the PLP might have thought such a move advantageous as "there is every possibility that Premier Brown's successor will want to seek his or her own mandate following election as party leader in November".

"For example, there is already speculation that [Smith's North MP] Patrice Minors and [Southampton East Central MP] Zane DeSilva may have difficulty keeping their seats, and for an incumbent Government there is the very real belief that they can replicate the 2007 victory by leaving things the way they are," he said.

"They know from the polls, and their own canvassing I'm sure, that their popularity is waning and that the next election will be their toughest yet, given Bermuda's problems and their management of those problems."

Mr. Barritt said that the report's suggestions had been acceptable to the Opposition "by and large" and were unlikely to lead to a long debate.

"I was very surprised that the order was not taken up on one of the last days we met.

"It was hardly likely to be controversial or divisive like the Municipality Reform Act, and the Premier and Government were quite content and keen to rush that one through in seven days' notice."

Finance Minister Paula Cox, who is campaigning to succeed Dr. Brown as Premier, has said that she would not call an election before the end of the year, by which time the report may be approved.