Jennifer Smith is the overwhelming favourite to succeed the late Frederick Wade as Opposition Leader based on a interviews with people on the streets of Hamilton yesterday.

Ms Smith, the deputy leader of the Progressive Labour Party, was seen as the person with the vision and the ability to chart the Opposition party through to the year 2000 and beyond.

Mr. Wade, who died on Tuesday evening, led the party for nearly eleven years and is credited with healing a party that was divided against itself in 1985 and he brought them within a hare's whisker of victory in the 1993 election.

On Tuesday, the party will select a new leader who could face the task of steering the party through the next General election.

Twenty-year-old Alex DeCouto said he has been impressed with Ms Smith ever since he heard her speak at a graduation ceremony at Mount St. Agnes.

"Speaking from a young person's point of view she is one who is able to speak both for the young and the old,'' he said. "She seems to focus more of her energy in the direction of young people but she is definitely someone I am comfortable with.'' Similarly, Darren Easton, 36, pointed out that Ms Smith or Alex Scott were equally capable and competent to lead the party.

Ms Smith he said had the proven ability to deputise when needed in Mr. Wade's absence.

"She's a very intelligent woman and I think she can rationally and calmly analyse the political situation. And Alex Scott has the same qualities.

"He has a very good reputation. He is known as one who fights for the rights of Bermudians. The media likes to demonise him but he always fights for what he believes is right. I would have no problems with either one of them.'' Vance Lightbourne, 24, said there was no-one who stood out in the forefront.

However the person who would replace Mr. Wade he said must have a sense of dedication to Bermuda.

"They don't have to have charisma in my opinion,'' he said. "All they need is dedication to Bermuda that is it.'' Vince Cann, 25, said he wanted to see Ms Smith head the party. He said he has dealt with her in the past and has sympathy with her goals and objectives.

"She is the person for the future and of course the PLP will be the Government in the future,'' he predicted.

Robert Rego, 23, said he did not have any idea who should be the next leader but he said the seven-day period that they have to decide who that person should be seemed too short.

Shawnlette Simons, 33, said the next PLP leader should be Jennifer Smith because she has been the deputy for some time.

"I feel that she has the experience.'' she said. "It would only be right for her to become the leader.'' And Azelia Providence, 17, said that while she does not know a lot about the people who will eventually contest the PLP leadership, Ms Smith was the one she most admired.

"She is a good speaker and she is interested in the youth,'' she said.

Vince Cann Darren Easton Robert Rego Shawnlette Simons