of people whose voting appeal is being gauged in the run-up to the next general election.

Pollsters Penn and Schoen are currently carrying out popularity and name recognition polls in 13 constituencies.

The aim is to discover the popularity of sitting UBP MPs -- as well as possible future Parliamentary contenders.

According to the survey relating to the Pembroke West seat Mr. Lines along with four other people are listed in the popularity stakes.

The others are Susan Wilson, a member of the Pembroke West executive, Jim Butterfield, a Pembroke West branch member, Sacha Simmons another branch member, and Alex Anderson, who used to serve on the campaign committee.

Yesterday Gary Pitman, United Bermuda Party chairman, said different names were listed in surveys in other constituencies, however he admitted that eventually those listed could be future Parliamentary candidates.

"We want to see whether people think favourably or unfavourably of these people. They could be potential candidates, but the poll will tell us, it depends on what the survey says.'' said Mr. Pitman. The question asks if people think favourably or unfavourably of the people listed -- and the list includes Premier David Saul and Environment Minister Pam Gordon.

Ms Gordon is also on the list where the question asks who would be listed first and second as choices for MPs.

Mr. Pitman added: "Ms Gordon's name appears in surveys in other constituencies. We have put a few other MPs in different constituencies as well.'' The polling comes in the wake of a UBP tracking poll, results of which were released by the Premier last May, which showed Bermuda's two major parties were in a dead heat.

Privately some of the MPs concerned feel the polls are being used as a test of support for the `Five' and to see if other candidates might unseat them if fielded in a general election. Surveys are being carried out in all the seats represented by the `Five' -- Ann Cartwright DeCouto, Dr. Clarence Terceira, Trevor Moniz, Jim Woolridge and Dr. David Dyer.

They also being carried out in Sir. John Swan's seat, Finance Minister Grant Gibbons constituency as well as Education Minister Jerome Dill, Works Minister Leonard Gibbons, Planning Minister Pam Gordon, Tourism Minister David Dodwell and House Speaker Ernest DeCouto.

POLITICS PTL