A hint of cynicism could be detected in the public's response to the United Bermuda Party's selection of the Hon. David Saul as Bermuda's fifth Premier.

Some people laughed, others sneered, but most people declined to comment on their feelings about the former Minister of Finance.

Of those that did feel Dr. Saul was the best man for the job, many doubted that he could ever pull the UBP through the next election, which has to be called within the next two-and-a-half years.

"I've heard,'' Mr. Michael Mcguinness said of the new Premier on the streets of Hamilton yesterday, "that he's arrogant, but he is a competent man.'' Mrs.

Marguerite Lovell said she felt much the same way. "I feel,'' she told The Royal Gazette , "that he is good on the financial side of things, but he sure isn't the popular one. He must improve that aspect of himself before the next election.'' Ms Cathy Arcardi added: "He would be a good interim Premier, but I don't think he could carry the UBP through the next election. He is intelligent. He just doesn't have the personality.'' Reflecting the dual view that many Bermudians have of Premier Saul, Mr. Kevin Poole told The Gazette : "He's the best choice, but he's fairly arrogant. I have respect for his abilities though.'' "It makes sense,'' Mr. John May added of the Finance Minister's selection.

"Consider his past history; he will do a good job, but I don't think he will make it past the next election. He is not the people's man.'' Ms Kim Gillis said: "He is the one I thought would get in -- I'm happy he's there.'' Mr. Walter Young, meanwhile, said that Premier Saul would have been his choice. "Mr. (C.V. "Jim'') Woolridge (the new Premier's closest contender for the job) had the charisma, but we need someone who knows the business of the Island.'' Speaking at the corner of Par-la-Ville Road and Church Street, Mr. Anthony Peets agreed with Mr. Young, saying: "He (Dr. Saul) will give us a business approach to things, but he definitely isn't the people's man.'' Added Mr. Peets with a smile: "I just hope he takes it easy on the taxes!'' While Mrs. Lorna McGowan, meanwhile, said she was "happy with him as Premier,'' those who had decidedly negative feelings about the new Premier refused to be identified with names or pictures.

In those cases, a number of people snickered, a few laughed and many had a distasteful look on their faces when questions about the Premier were put to them .

Some respondents even looked shocked when they learned that Dr. Saul had been selected leader.

"I think it's unfortunate that there wasn't a better choice,'' said Mr.

Tucker Hall of the UBP's decision. "I really doubt this will work out.'' "I think,'' added Ms Richelle Virgil, "that the (Progressive Labour Party) needs a chance. I'll tell you my name if you print that.'' When Mrs. Malinda Simmons, finally, was asked how she felt about Premier Saul's selection, all she could do was laugh. "Like we really had a choice anyway,'' she said.

Ms Cathy Arcardi Ms Kim Gillis Mr. John May Ms Lorna McCowan Mr. Anthony Peets Ms Richelle Virgil STREET POLL SURVEY