The woman touted as a possible replacement for Governor Thorold Masefield may have increased her odds by announcing her intention to stand down as a British MP.

Former Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam, who has been named as a favourite to take over on the Island as the Queen's representative, said she has made no firm plans for her future yet, but is keeping an open mind.

She plans to give up her North of England seat at the next British General Election, which is likely to be next year.

The Royal Gazette reported in April how the Government troubleshooter could become the first woman Governor in Bermuda's 400-year history.

Mr. Masefield, however, is set to remain in his post until next year at least.

Ms Mowlam was unavailable to comment, but her constituency spokesman, Keith Legg, said it was early days yet and the MP could take her career in a number of directions.

Speaking from her Redcar constituency in the North-East of England, he said: "She has no plans at the moment, but she is keeping her options open.

"She is very much aware of what has been said about the Governor's post in Bermuda, but has not commented on it. Nobody has approached her about it.

"She hopes that what she learnt in Northern Ireland and Government with regards to conflict resolution, drugs and poverty, could be put to good use in another sphere.'' Ms Mowlam wrote in a British national newspaper that she wanted to do something different.

She said: "I have never been one of those politicians who wrongly believe the world began and ended at Westminster.'' Governors are generally appointed for three years and Mr. Masefield took up the job in June, 1997.

But most Bermuda Governors, like Mr. Masefield's predecessor, Lord Waddington, stay on beyond the original posting.

UK Parliamentary insiders, however, have tipped Ms Mowlam, 50, as being the favourite.

One source said: "Mo Mowlam's name is being talked about a lot in connection with Bermuda. It looks like if she wants it, she can have it.'' Other outsiders being mentioned for the Bermuda posting, which comes with rent-free mansion Government House, are veteran Labour politician Jack Cunningham and even former Conservative Prime Minister John Major.

Yesterday, Deputy Governor Tim Gurney said it was too early to speculate who would take over the post when Mr. Masefield decided to step down or who was on the shortlist at this stage.

He said: "It's an appointment from Downing Street. We would not know. I am not sure at what stage announcements are made with regards postings like this.

"But at the moment, there are no plans for a change of Governor.'' Ms Mowlam was removed from her role as North Ireland Minister last October.

She had spent more than two years dealing with the troubled province and was the main mover behind the Good Friday Agreement, which led to rebel IRA gunmen and Loyalist terrorists declaring a cease-fire.

She was later brought back into the Cabinet in a roving role, acting as Tony Blair's enforcer.

Inside talk: Sources at the UK Parliament have told The Royal Gazette that former Secretary for Northern Ireland, Mo Mowlam (above) has the inside track on taking over from Thorold Masefield as Governor of Bermuda. Other notables rumoured to be in the running for the three-year post include former Conservative Prime Minister John Major.