resignation of Upper House Leader Lynda Milligan-Whyte, Premier Pamela Gordon insisted yesterday.

She was speaking after E.T. (Bob) Richards -- son of Bermuda's first black Premier, Sir Edward Richards -- was touted as a possible replacement.

But Ms Gordon said: "Bobby Richards' name has been mentioned, but I have not made any decisions.

"While I won't rule that out, I have not decided yet because there are people who need to be approached and we have to determine what our Government agenda is and who would best serve the Government.'' Ms Gordon said there were three people in the frame who need to be "sounded out'' before a choice is made.

But she said whoever took the post had to have the potential to be Senate Leader.

And she pointed out: "It also has to be someone who has time on their hands who can serve Government well.'' She added: "I have a little bit of time on my hands and I don't want to make a rushed choice.'' Mr. Richards is president of Bermuda Asset Management and general manager of affiliated exempt company Invesco Global Asset Management.

He confirmed yesterday that he had been sounded out about the possibility of a Senate seat.

Mr. Richards added: "All Senators serve at the pleasure of the Premier. Until she makes an announcement, I'm not able to comment.'' But he said: "If my Country asks me to do something, I would consider it very seriously.'' Lawyer Mrs. Milligan-Whyte, Minister for Legislative Affairs and Women's Issues as well as Senate Leader, announced she was quitting just weeks after failing to win the UBP primary nomination for Paget East.

She came a distant second to political newcomer Kim Young, who on Tuesday was elected MP for Paget East by a massive majority over Progressive Labour Party candidate Craig Walls and Independent Sanders Frith Brown.

Her move came only days before the House of Assembly reconvenes and around two weeks before the Senate starts its new session.

It is understood Government would like someone with a legal background as a replacement because of the Legislative Affairs role.

And it is believed the new Senator would also ideally be in a position to put up a strong show in seats like Warwick East and West and Hamilton East.

Ms Gordon said she had not discussed a Senate post with any of the potential candidates, whom she declined to name.

She added she had been busy with the double by-elections in Devonshire South and Paget East and expected to devote her full attention to the Senate problem now.

Ms Gordon said: "I am trying to see the parties and there are only so many hours in the day -- I have not been able to get to that. But with the by-elections behind me, I will be able to get on with the business of getting a new Senator.''