A summer election has not been ruled out says the Premier’s campaign manager Andre Curtis as he played down rumours that Ewart Brown is becoming unpopular among his MPs.

Earlier this week The Royal Gazette quoted two Progressive Labour Party MPs who said even Dr. Brown’s supporters were turning against him — a claim later denied by Cabinet Minister Dale Butler.

And Mr. Curtis also said the Cabinet was fully behind the Premier.

Many MPs and candidates have discounted the likelihood of a summer election after recent controversy which has seen Dr. Brown threaten to suspend relations with the Governor and launch a libel action against the press.

But Mr. Curtis said a summer poll was still possible.

He added: “We are gearing for an election, we are in high gear.”

People were lining up to be candidates said Mr. Curtis who is also branch chairman of Dr. Brown’s Warwick South Central seat.

“We have hundreds of teenagers that have joined the party and in my constituency alone we have had over 85 new people, 25 of them young Bermudians since December.

“Everyone knows that Premier Brown is a man that gets the job done and is prepared to make tough decisions to get positive results, which is why he was elected Premier.

“His unorthodox style is what makes him a great leader and our party has grown and I believe Bermuda has grown to where they look at the candidate’s ability and personality.

“Premier Brown’s support has grown and it is continually growing within the party and constituencies.”