Business leaders met with the Premier to discuss ways to assist a cross-section of Bermuda's public.

They have been dubbed the Council of Economic Advisors.

The group includes Bank of Bermuda C.E.O. Philip Butterfield, Butterfield Bank Chairman Brian Duperreault, Capital G Chairman and C.E.O. James Gibbons, XL Capital C.E.O. Brian O'Hara as well as hotel magnate and former Chairman and C.E.O. of Black Entertainment Television Bob Johnson.

A press statement released last night stated the business leaders met Premier Ewart Brown and Minister of Finance Paula Cox at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess over the weekend to discuss ways to improve the quality of life for a cross-section of Bermudians including the poor and elderly.

But details of the ideas and suggestions produced at the meeting were scant.

A statement attributed to the council members stated: "It would be irresponsible to throw ideas into the public domain before we've fully studied them. But the public should know that the members of the Council of Economic Advisors are focused on more than just discussing the issues.

"The Council is determined to devise solutions that will have a tangible and positive impact on the quality of life for Bermudians, while also ensuring a sustainable economic course for the country."

The statement released by the Premier's press secretary Glenn Jones did say that the group had discussed Bermuda's poor: "The cost of housing in Bermuda, lack of post-secondary education and multiple jobs are believed to be the chief contributing factors to a stressed quality of life for the group 'struggling to make ends meet'.

"The Council tabled a series of potential solutions to tackle these contributing factors. These new ideas require further discussion and research. At the next meeting of the council, it's expected these ideas will be moved forward."

Mr. Jones added that the Council discussed ideas on how to assist educated, employed Bermudians under 35 to enter the housing market.

The plight of seniors was also discussed, in particular that many have to work past retirement age.

"It's believed this trend is burdensome on the Bermudian family because grandparents are less available to assist with childcare," Mr. Jones said. "This is another area which the Council has decided to focus its attention."

It's expected the next meeting of the Council will be in early 2008.

Mr. Jones said that in the meantime the ideas tabled over the past weekend will be researched and examined for viability. He added that where appropriate some ideas will be acted upon under the guidance of the members of Cabinet who sit on the Council.