United Bermuda Party.

Ms Gordon -- on holiday in the US -- was asked by phone if she would continue to lead her party after the UBP caucus backed her.

And Party chairman Ronnie Viera said: "Many United Bermuda Party MPs, candidates and supporters are clearly united in their faith that the new course our leader has set for the party is the right course, both for ourselves and for the future of Bermuda.'' Now Ms Gordon is expected to consider her team of Shadow Ministers and make an announcement before the House of Assembly reconvenes next week.

Former Finance Minister Grant Gibbons said: "It was a very positive feeling -- we spoke to Ms Gordon by phone and she agreed to stay on. Everybody was pleased she made that decision.'' He added: We're currently going through the process of looking at what we need to do to make sure we become a very strong Opposition.

"The Country needs this and we have to focus our thoughts on the reconvening of Parliament.'' After the scale of the PLP victory became apparent on Monday night, Ms Gordon said she would have to consider her future as leader of the UBP -- and did not rule out opting to become an Opposition backbencher.

Ex-Deputy Premier Jerome Dill, who lost his seat on Monday, said: "The mood was certainly upbeat. It was reflective -- clearly there have been dramatic events which have occurred over the course of the last few days -- and people have had time to reflect on what it all means.'' He added that there had been no recriminations or backbiting as the party decides how to rebuild.

He said: "It was very conciliatory -- quite apart from this not being the time for it, it's just not appropriate.'' Mr. Viera added that caucus members were "moved by the heartfelt calls they have received from the public''.

Gordon stays on He said: "We as a party and with one voice, would like to thank all those Bermudians who have contacted members of our candidate team in the last two days with clear wisdom and support.'' Mr. Viera added that caucus had "committed as a team to ensure that the voices of all these Bermudians and many more will continue to be heard.'' And he promised: "We will do all in our power to ensure that the Bermudian community as a whole continues to prosper.'' He said the UBP's 14 MPs were "ready to listen carefully and work tirelessly on behalf of all Bermudians and for the benefit of a solid and secure future for all of Bermuda''.

Mr. Viera added the UBP caucus also congratulated the PLP, who won a landslide victory on Monday, for its "well-organised campaign''.

He said: "This election has been a difficult one for all of us but now it's time to get on with the business of the people.''