MP Dr. David Dyer yesterday ended speculation over his future and pulled out of politics.

As predicted in The Royal Gazette , Dr. Dyer quit not only his portfolio of Youth and Sport but the House of Assembly as well.

Now the hunt is on for a new MP for the rock-solid UBP Pembroke West seat and a new Minister to fill the vacant seat in Cabinet.

Premier Pamela Gordon said Dr. Dyer would quit no later than the end of this month.

It is understood political newcomer and keen sportsman Michael Dunkley and a former holder of the portfolio, Tim Smith, are both front runners for the post.

Ms Gordon said yesterday a replacement had not been selected, although she promised an announcement next week.

But she said the replacement would most likely come from the current crop of House of Assembly backbenchers.

Ms Gordon said: "As any Premier would be required to do, I will get the feeling, the feedback, and get the instructions on what we want to achieve and who could best fill the role at this time.'' And she praised Dr. Dyer's contribution to the Cabinet and the Country as a whole during his less than eight months in his first Ministry.

"I have accepted Dr. Dyer's resignation with regret -- he has made a great contribution to the UBP and also to Cabinet. I'm very grateful for the support he has given.'' She added that a by-election must be held no more than two months after Dr.

Dyer resigned.

Dr. Dyer said: "The reasons for my resignation I would have to insist are private and personal and I do not intend to divulge or elaborate any further than that.'' It is understood that Dr. Dyer, a sole practitioner, was finding it difficult to balance his professional life and his heavy political commitments.

And he slammed rumours that his resignation was in protest at Government's failure to keep Police Commissioner Colin Coxall, who recently announced he would be leaving five months ahead of the end of his three-year contract.

Dr. Dyer declined to speculate on who might replace him as running mate for Health and Social Services Minister Clarence Terceira.

He pledged he would continue to support Government from the background and "do whatever I can do to assist.'' And Ms Gordon said: "There is no rancour, there is no disagreement we have had. Therefore, we believe that the real intent is obviously personal.

"When you have a situation where there is a choice of personal reasons -- which may include family -- and your responsibility to the Country, I'm a believer that your family must always come first.'' PULLED OUT -- Dr. David Dyer and Premier Pamela Gordon.