Parliament, The Royal Gazette has learned.

The Youth and Sport Minister of just eight months will not make up his mind whether to quit until today.

But last-ditch bids by Cabinet colleagues to persuade him to stay are unlikely to succeed.

And -- if he goes -- the way is open for not only a new Minister but a new MP.

Dr. Dyer, when contacted just after 10 p.m. last night, said: "I don't appreciate being called at this time of night -- goodbye.'' Last night Premier Pamela Gordon declined to comment but she is expected to make a statement today.

Candidates in the race for the vacant seat in Cabinet would have to include previous holder Tim Smith, who did a swap with then-Youth and Sport Minister Pamela Gordon after off-the-cuff remarks he made about a planning application by another MP were picked up by a live microphone in the House of Assembly and broadcast.

But also on the starting blocks might be Devonshire South newcomer Michael Dunkley, young at 38 -- thought to be a qualification for the job -- and a keen sportsman.

The fight for Dr. Dyer's Pembroke West seat, a UBP stronghold shared with Health and Social Services Minister Clarence Terceira, is more open, with a member of the constituency machine the most likely to win favour.

Dr. Dyer -- one of the Government MPs who fought for a no vote in the Independence campaign and who was part of the anti-fast food rebel five -- is a sole practitioner.

It is understood he is keen to devote more time to his full-time career.

And party insiders stressed his dilemma had nothing to do with previous clashes with the UBP establishment.

Dr. Dyer, one of three anti-McDonald's rebels brought back into the fold by ex-Premier David Saul in January, is understood to have turned down a Cabinet post last year -- and on previous occasions -- because of career pressures.

And when appointed to Youth and Sport, he said that he had "things which still have to be resolved and any offer is contingent on certain other things.'' One of these things is believed to have been his bid to bring in a dentist from overseas to give him the time to devote to politics. But the Bermuda Dental Board recommended the application be turned down by the Department of Immigration on the grounds there was adequate provision already.

And it is understood the strains of running a busy dental practice and handling a time-consuming portfolio became impossible to reconcile.

Despite suggestions that Youth and Sport is one of the lesser plums in Cabinet, Premier Pamela Gordon, who served in that capacity for several years, is believed to see the role as vital to Bermuda's young people and the Country's future well-being.

And if forced to find a replacement she will want not only a good candidate, but one who will be able to meet the time commitments.

A UBP insider last night said: "If Dr. Dyer goes, I don't think its going to have an enormous political impact on the party, although I think he is an excellent MP and I would be sorry to see him go.

"I would like to see him stay in. It's very disappointing if he does leave because he has enormous potential.

"But if he does go, it creates, of course, a tremendous opportunity because his seat is a safe UBP one. I'm sure candidates would come forward and make themselves known.'' Dr. Dyer, 52, was first elected to Pembroke West in a 1985 by-election.

He had never held a Cabinet post until this year, but served as Government Whip and as chairman of the Board of Immigration.

Dr. David Dyer