Rumours that Premier Jennifer Smith will run in Devonshire instead of St. George's at the next general elections were dismissed yesterday by veteran politician and Attorney General Dame Lois Browne Evans.

“That's nonsense,” said Dame Lois. “She (Ms Smith) has made it on her own and she's there (St. George's). She's there for good. They gave her a resounding vote. No I don't think Jennifer is in any trouble in St. George's.”

She confirmed she will be retiring from politics when the next general election is called. “I went in for one term with (former Progressive Labour Party leader) Wade, when we thought we were going to win in 1993... I stepped down (as leader) in 1985 and I promised Wade I would stay on to help.”

Frederick Wade died suddenly in the summer of 1996 at age 57.

“I stayed on to help Jennifer (Smith) for one term and I intended to have a backseat as legislative counsel. So I've got in and I've made it and I'm at the end of this road. So, tell people to stop the rumours.”

Dame Lois is a member of the Boundaries Commission which is working on its recommendations on a revamped single seat electoral system for Bermuda.