party disciplinary committee for supporting a motion of censure against Premier David Saul.

But lawyer Wendell Hollis, representing the rebel MPs, said they had challenged the propriety of the hearing held by the Caucus Procedures Committee at the UBP's Chancery Lane headquarters.

He said the "business-like'' one-hour meeting broke up shortly after they made their challenge.

Mr. Hollis, a former UBP Senator, said MPs Ann Cartwright DeCouto, Dr. David Dyer, C.V. (Jim) Woolridge, Dr. Clarence Terceira and Trevor Moniz were charged with "bringing the party into disrepute by their support of an Opposition motion of censure against the Premier''.

The "People's Five'' have been a thorn in the governing UBP's side since last year's Independence referendum.

In addition to supporting the Opposition's successful motion of censure against Dr. Saul for his handling of the introduction of franchises to Bermuda, some or all of the rebels have also sided with the Progressive Labour Party to get the Prohibited Restaurant Act through the lower house and to delay passage of the Base Lands Development Act.

The hearing marks the first time the People's Five have appeared with legal counsel in their battle with the party.

Mr. Hollis said: "They feel they have a combined 70 years of UBP experience, with at least 45 years of combined caucus experience. They feel they have strong arguments against the propriety of the proceedings.'' He declined to comment further.

Caucus committee chairman Senator Lawrence Scott yesterday confirmed a meeting took place with the rebel MPs, but refused to discuss what went on behind closed doors.

"This is a very delicate matter and I do not wish to compromise myself as chairman of the committee or for that matter compromise the interests of the other parties involved,'' he told The Royal Gazette last night.