jibe at rebel Government backbenchers.

One of the suspected targets of the jibe, Mr. Trevor Moniz, has urged Dr. Saul to clarify the remark and has voiced concern over the issue with House of Assembly Speaker Ernest DeCouto.

"I want the Premier to withdraw the remark or clarify it. If it was directed at MPs in his party it was very inappropriate.'' Dr. Saul's remark was made in the House of Assembly on November 10 during the period MPs send congratulations and condolences to people in the community.

According to a transcript acquired by Mr. Moniz, Dr. Saul spoke of "ne'er-do-wells'' while speaking on the Premier's Concert.

The transcript read: "I can only say it's a pity that the 1,000 performers over the last 10 years and specifically last night's performers don't warrant the front page because this particular thing, this Premier's Concert, does show exemplary behaviour, stick-to-itiveness, talent and determination by the youngsters of Bermuda and they deserve congratulations and front page headlines as opposed to a few ne'er-do-wells who seem to get it with monotonous regularity and who are a minority of the population.'' In a later interview, Dr. Saul confirmed the impression the "ne'er-do-wells'' label referred to the five Government backbenchers who stayed away from the House of Assembly and helped PLP MP Stanley Lowe win the post of Deputy Speaker.

These included Mr. Moniz, who said Dr. Saul had apparently later denied "ne'er-do-wells'' was a reference to the five MPs.

Dr. Saul was reported as saying that he was referring to other youths and teenagers.

"That is what he is now claiming, and I would like it clarified,'' Mr. Moniz said.

Dr. Saul last night could not be reached for comment.