Ageing ruling party politicians should step aside to make room in the upcoming general election for fresh talent, says PLP member Rolfe Commissiong.

Some of his colleagues disagree, arguing that the experience that comes with age is an invaluable asset for the Island's first political party which is only now serving its first term as Government.

"You need experience in any organisation," said Senator Michael Scott.

With a number of MPs expected to retire in the coming months, an unprecedented opportunity should exist for aspiring politicians.

But Mr. Commissiong is concerned that the more senior leaders will want to hang on for another term and says that the entire old guard should step aside and make way for fresh blood.

He says at least five or six potential candidates are ready and able to step into their shoes but declined to identify anyone, saying he didn't want to put them on the spot.

"What I think is going on, particularly in the black community, is generational cannibalism," he said.

"The older folks are "hanging around, depriving younger, perhaps more capable individuals from making a more meaningful contribution to the party. So instead of being an aid to progress, in many ways they are being an impediment."

He said he had a lot of respect for the older leaders of the PLP but "their time has past. It's time they moved on."

Outside parliament, Mr. Commissiong is one of a handful of PLP supporters who actually speak out publicly on current political affairs.

"There may be some who are visible and others who are not so visible," he said. "They probably won't come forward because they know they are going to be frustrated. The party is not bereft of talent."

Backbencher Delaey Robinson believes that at least half a dozen ruling party MPs will step down.

"Some of them have certainly served their useful lives and it's certainly time for them to step aside," he said. "This is where it would be great if the Senate were a place for senior politicians, instead of a training ground for future parliamentarians."

If, as expected the next General Election is fought under a revamped single seat system with 36 constituencies, at least 16 new candidates currently not in the House could be fielded by the PLP.

The party will be looking for at least ten to field a full slate and in all likelihood between six and eight sitting MPs will retire.

But the Progressive Labour Party has consistently rewarded loyalty and longevity when it comes to candidate selection which means that people like Mr. Commissiong may have to wait in line or at best hope for a senatorship.

"Left to the Premier's devices, you are going to get the Neville Tyrells, Colonel Burchs and people of that ilk. But I don't think they represent the best and the brightest among us," Mr. Commissiong said.

But he said the aspiring leaders waiting in the wings are "fearful of being labelled as trying to undermine the party" and predicted that they will be thrust into the fore by "unfolding events".

"There are so many issues that are unresolved. Events will thrust those leaders forward."

Obvious PLP candidates for retirement include Attorney General Dame Lois Browne Evans and Finance Minister Eugene Cox. Both are in their 70s and have had a long, successful innings in Bermuda's political life.

Tourism Minister David Allen, who has been seriously ill lately and backbencher Stanley Morton are also likely to throw in the towel, as is Stanley Lowe, another member of the old guard who made history as the Island's first black Speaker of the House and has spent 35 years as a Member of Parliament.

The Royal Gazette alsounderstands that Mr. Robinson himself is also actively mulling pulling out in order to focus on his young family and business.

And Wayne Perinchief, the Premier's chief critic, may well find himself running as an independent.

Progressive Labour Party chairman Neville Tyrell would only say that decisions had not been made yet when the topic of retirement was last broached some weeks ago.

Last week Finance Minister Eugene Cox said he had not yet made a decision on his retirement.

In any case any open slots will likely be filled by Senators and unsuccessful candidates from the last election first. Party functionaries, like Pembroke branch chairman Scott Pearman, will also get first dibs.

Last night two Senators - Michael Scott and Calvin Smith confirmed their intention to contest the next election.

Senator Smith said he would "certainly" support Mr. Cox and Dame Lois if they decided to stay on for another term.

"If our problem is inexperience how the hell does a young person bring experience ? The key thing is experience in the matter of government. I don't think a university degree or working in the bank brings you that experience."

Besides, he added, older people are more likely to participate in politics and older people are more likely to vote than younger people.

"Historically it's the older people who can bring their wisdom to government and there are a host of issues affecting older people and some people are saying they should get off the field. I think that's nonsense."

Younger folks should focus on "making an impact on their careers" before leaping into politics, he added.

Warwick MP Elvin James said the party has an "interesting blend of experience and talent" in parliament and any leader should consider that "a blessing".

"It's just a matter of using that talent wisely," he said. "As long as we use the experience wisely we will be okay. I don't think we should go so far as to say they should step down."