Progressive Labour Party Deputy Leader Jennifer Smith may be elected party leader unopposed next week, party insiders said yesterday.

The move could come to promote party unity and avoid a potentially damaging leadership fight -- as well as a symbol of respect for leader Frederick Wade who died on Tuesday.

One PLP member said: "It's a reality which has to come to pass -- but no-one is thinking about a fight or elections.

"There really haven't been any discussion about it out of respect for Mr.

Wade. People just aren't talking about it.'' The insider added that the party's constitution calls for a new leader to be elected within seven days of the death of a leader.

And it is seen as unlikely that anyone with realistic ambitions of leading the party into the next General Election would regard that as enough time to build a power base.

But a leadership fight in November -- when party members gather for their conference -- has not been ruled out. The party's full slate of officers is up for grabs at the conference.

The party stalwart said: "Seven days isn't enough time for anyone who wants to challenge for the leadership.

"But the party conference in November will be different -- that's when there will be a contest.

"I think there will be a few names -- there are people who have expressed a wish to one day be leader.'' But party secretary Walter Roban poured cold water on speculation in some PLP circles yesterday that the leadership election might be deferred to after the constitutional deadline.

He said: "It will be my particular responsibility to see that the constitution is fulfilled in this particular instance.'' He added that the party leader will be chosen by the PLP's 17 MPs jointly with the general conference of the party -- a total of about 50 people.

Mr. Roban declined to comment on whether the leadership election would be more than a one-horse race.

He said: "At the moment, the party is dealing with the arrangements for Mr.

Wade's burial and party affairs connected with his death. Questions of a contest have not been discussed and won't be until the funeral is over.'' He added: "It's acknowledged by the community and certainly all in the party that Ms Smith has done a good job as acting leader and through the past few difficult days.'' But Mr. Roban said: "Mr. Wade always said every MP was qualified to be leader of the party -- he was quite proud of that.'' Ms Smith last night said she would, as expected, be standing for the vacant leadership.

She added: "I haven't heard so far about anyone else putting their name in, but I don't know what people are thinking -- I guess I'll find out on Tuesday.'' Names which have been mentioned as possible contenders for the leadership are Home Affairs spokesman Alex Scott, Human Affairs spokesman Dr. Ewart Brown.

Finance spokesman Eugene Cox and former Deputy Opposition leader Walter Roberts, although it is understood that Mr. Roberts is unlikely to put himself forward.

Mr. Cox last night declined to discuss the leadership issue. Mr. Roberts could not be contacted for comment.

Dr. Brown, who was expected to be in the US until September, was heading home last night.

Mr. Scott has cut short a trip to a Parliamentary Commonwealth conference in Malaysia and arrived back on the Island last night. He could not be contacted for comment.

Jennifer Smith