ust three years into the job Premier Alex Scott could be facing his nemesis in the candidate who was selected to be his right hand man.

But pundits have long suspected Mr. Scott knew he would be challenged this year by Ewart Brown.

Behind the thin rhetoric about challenges being the sign of a healthy party many saw Mr. Scott's stance as an admission that a fight was on the cards and he was ready.

The question is whether he can muster the forces to head off the threat. Despite firmly holding ministerial colleagues to account sources close to Cabinet believe Mr. Scott still has enough support among Ministers.

But arch enemy Ren?e Webb believes the Premier has a severe credibility gap ? not just the voters but with the party who put him in power.

She said: "He goes back on what he says. The party decided Independence would be decided on an election, it always has been (the stance), then he decides it might be a referendum.

"Then there's the hospital. Cabinet decides it will be built in the Botanical Gardens. Then he says we have not started digging yet. He's all over the place.

"Salary increases were decided for MPs. Then he decides to spread it over two years."

While many in the PLP credit Mr. Scott for helping heal the post election split there is also a feeling of lost time and a question mark over whether the incumbent has what it takes to move the country to the next level.

One disillusioned PLP supporter said: "I suspect Alex Scott needs to step down. I don't think it will be an issue."