internal strife afflicting Government is close to being resolved.

The so-called "People's Five'' inflicted a series of embarrassments on Government during the last Parliamentary session.

Two meetings between Dr. Saul and the "Five'' have taken place to help heal the rifts and although no more are planned in the immediate future, other discussions will be ongoing.

"There are no plans for a meeting with me, but conversation and dialogue is progressing with other committees within the United Bermuda Party,'' said the Premier last night.

"I am anticipating that over the summer there will be a definitive resolution so that when we go back to the House of Assembly in November we have stopped the factionalism.

"I think we can come to a resolution on this. We must. The alternative is not that pleasant,'' added Dr. Saul, who will holiday in Greenland for two weeks kayaking.

The "Five'' -- Ann Cartwight DeCouto, Dr. David Dyer, C.V. (Jim) Woolridge, Dr. Clarence Terceira and Trevor Moniz -- proved a thorn in Dr. Saul's side during the last House sitting.

As well as twice delaying debates on the Base lands they sided with the Progressive Labour Party to pass a motion of censure against the Premier and joined forces to get the Prohibited Restaurant Act through -- which could halt Sir John Swan's McDonalds bid.

After the last House session, former Premier Sir John Sharpe warned the UBP had to heal its rifts or risk losing the next General Election.

All members of the "Five'' have remained tightlipped about the talks and yesterday Mr. Moniz and Dr. Dyer again declined to reveal the subjects under discussion.

Last night Mr. Moniz said he was not expecting to meet the Premier before he left on holiday, although he said he was expecting some response from Dr. Saul over a number of issues.

"We have had two meetings and as far as we are concerned the ball is in Dr.

Saul's court,'' added Mr. Moniz.

And Dr. Dyer added: "Nothing has been scheduled with the Premier before he goes away. We are hoping for some answers to some questions that were raised.

"But it would not be much help having a meeting until those answers come back.'' POLITICS PTL