Former Premier Jennifer Smith has been selected the ruling party's candidate for Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly at a party caucus meeting this week.

The Progressive Labour Party (PLP) parliamentarians also agreed to have Stanley Lowe continue as Speaker of the House.

Former Deputy Speaker Walter Lister opened the way for Ms Smith after he lost out in a bid for the Speaker's post against Mr. Lowe, and then declined to contest the Deputy Speaker's post.

But he has accepted his party's decision with grace and dignity, saying he merely exercised his democratic rights and that he was supportive of Mr. Lowe.

The decisions have to be ratified by the entire House of Assembly when it resumes on October 31.

Ms Smith would be adding another first to her accomplishments if her candidacy is backed by the House of Assembly - the law making body has never had a woman Speaker of Deputy Speaker.

PLP parliamentarians were generally reluctant to say anything on the record when approached about the news which was leaked by an insider to the broadcast media.

"Any discussions of caucus are private," said PLP spokesman Walter Roban.

But yesterday Mr. Lister was frank when asked to confirm the reports.

"We had an election for Speaker. The Speaker was a candidate and I was a candidate and the Speaker was successful," he said.

"There was another election from the floor for Ms Smith and myself as the Deputy Speaker and I declined."

He said the election was conducted cordially and there were no hard feelings towards Mr.. Lowe.

"I've had it for over five years - it's been a very interesting post which I've enjoyed very much and I think it's time to move on," he said when asked why he declined to contest the nomination.

He agreed that it was widely believed that Jennifer Smith was an excellent parliamentarian who would acquit herself well in the position of Deputy Speaker or Speaker.

"I think that's a widely held opinion and I think that's a nice job for her. I think she will do well and I wish her well."

Asked if he believed she would eventually become the Speaker, he said: "You can never tell. In politics, 24 hours is a long time."

Ms Smith had many strengths, he continued. "I think she's a disciplinarian and that is one of the qualities required of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker's posts. She's knows the rules very well."

Ms Smith could not be contacted for comment.

Asked how he felt returning to the House of Assembly as an ordinary backbencher, Mr. Lister said: "I'm a country politician and I always like to help wherever I can. The post I hold is secondary, the opportunity to serve is primary."

The ruling party does not always get its way when it comes to selecting the Speaker, or Deputy Speaker.

Dentist David Dyer would have been the country's first black Speaker in 1993 had the PLP and three members of the then ruling United Bermuda Party (UBP) not voted instead for the then Deputy Speaker Ernest DeCouto.

Mr. Lister said he saw no dissension from any of the caucus members over the choices. "The caucus has made a decision and as far as I know the caucus will support that," he added.

"I didn't want to be Deputy Speaker anymore and I exercised my democratic rights," he said. "We're still very good friends and you won't see any challenges from me on the House floor."