own authority on the Cabinet she inherited from her predecessor David Saul.

And the choices she makes will make up what the UBP hopes will be a winning hand for the next General Election -- in view of the shuffle, likely to be held later rather than sooner.

That would make a spring election a reasonable bet for an election, according to party insiders. Ms Gordon is likely to go for a blend of experience and youth -- with room in the Cabinet for some new faces in a bid to convince the Country that the UBP is the party to lead Bermuda into a new century.

Last night the Premier declined to discuss any plans she might have for changes to her Cabinet. But, according to sources, party veterans like Environment Minister Irving Pearman, Works and Engineering Minister C.V. (Jim) Woolridge and Labour and Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness will always have a seat at the Cabinet table -- although not all of them necessarily in the places they occupy at the moment.

And Education Minister and Deputy Premier Jerome Dill -- reckoned to be one of the brighter sparks in Parliament -- may find himself in another role following the conclusion of a massive revamp of the educational system.

Newcomers, however, like Paget East's Kim Young, a former nurse with a background in women's and social issues, is also likely to take up a Cabinet post at some point in the near future.

And it is believed Ms Gordon -- dubbed the People's Premier after her unopposed election in March and who has coasted along on a wave of warmth ever since -- is keen to emphasise sensitivity on social issues as well as a hard-headed approach to the economy.

The news also could pave the way for an early return to Cabinet in the Youth and Sport hotseat for Tim Smith.

Mr. Smith swapped his Environment portfolio with then-Youth and Sport Minister Pamela Gordon after off-the-cuff remarks about a planning application from one of the party's anti-McDonald's rebel five was picked up by a live microphone and broadcast.

Mr. Smith later lost Environment when David Saul brought David Dyer into the role along with two other rebels in a bid to heal the split in the party.

Dr. Dyer is to quit Parliament at the end of the month for personal reasons -- and it is understood that Mr. Smith is seen as having served his penance for the controversial remarks made while at Environment. He also notched up brownie points for relinquishing Youth and Sport with good grace -- which underlined his reputation as a strong team player who has the advantage of having youth on his side.

But current Transport Minister Wayne Furbert could also be due for a change of scene -- and he could also be a contender for Youth and Sport.

Finance Minister Grant Gibbons is believed to be seen as the top man for the job and is not likely to be going anywhere.

Among the Premier's first public announcements when she took over the top job in March was that she would take "a long, hard look'' at Cabinet.

She said then: "We need to meet with all of our colleagues and discuss where they want to be in relation to the party, our commitment to Bermuda and the Country's future.

But she added: "It's only fitting to take a moment to reflect -- that's not something you rush into.''