vacant seat at the Cabinet Office.

And the United Bermuda Party will have to get it right the first time.

For the next leader -- the seventh in the party's history -- will be set to lead the Country into a make-or-break General Election in no more than 18 months against a Progressive Labour Party determined to end their 30 years of opposition.

Last night Deputy Premier Jerome Dill and Environment Minister Pam Gordon were mentioned as front-runners for the leadership -- which will be decided a week today.

Labour and Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness is also tipped to be a possible candidate, while party warhorse C.V. (Jim) Woolridge, who is popular with the public, is in the frame.

Mr. Dill said last night he was still taking in the effects of Dr. Saul's announcement.

Race on for leadership in wake of Saul shocker From Page 1 But he added: "A number of discussions have taken place today -- but at this stage I would prefer to say no more than that. As time goes by a clearer picture will emerge as to what's going to happen.'' Mr. Edness said: "I haven't come to any conclusions about anything -- but this is something which all of us have to be interested in.

"I've had several calls asking if I will consider it. I've said I have to think about it and think very seriously.'' Ms Gordon did not return calls from The Royal Gazette yesterday and Mr.

Woolridge could not be contacted for comment.

UBP veteran Irving Pearman also admitted he was considering throwing his hat in the ring -- even though he had previously considered retiring from politics.

But it is thought the Parliamentary UBP will favour a younger candidate, ideally with a streetwise image, to counteract a revamped Progressive Labour Party.

And one party insider said that it was possible that only one name will go forward to emphasise party unity behind a new leader.

Mr. Edness, also popular with the public, may be seen as the bridge candidate between the party old guard and the young pretenders.

UBP MPs appear to be split between Ms Gordon and Jerome Dill, while some speculated that Mr. Woolridge may not be able to attract the necessary five sponsors to allow his name to go forward.

Ms Gordon -- like Mr. Woolridge -- ranks high in opinion polls, while some observers believe Mr. Dill, 35, although highly-rated and future leadership material, is too young and lacks experience.

Mr. Dill, however, is also perceived as more of a intellectual heavyweight than the other front-runners.

Dr. Saul -- although refusing to be drawn on his tip for the top -- signalled that "maybe someone who is younger, someone who has a different vision, would be helpful''.

Nominations for leader will be accepted by party chairman Gary Pitman on Monday.

There can be no more than three candidates from among the 21-strong UBP Parliamentary group because a candidate must have the support of five MPs to be considered.

On Tuesday, the candidates -- or candidate -- will address a special meeting of the UBP caucus.

And on Thursday, the elected Members of caucus will vote by secret ballot and the winner will be the one first past the halfway mark -- 11 of the 21 MPs.

Mr. Pearman, now nearly 70, said: "I recognise the Country is at a very critical stage as part of a dynamic, changing world moving to a new millennium.

"I think with my business background and political experience I could make a contribution to that office. However, at this juncture, I have an open mind.

"I would also say that my phone has been ringing ever since the announcement and I have been having some interesting discussions. I've indicated that I would have to think about it seriously overnight and talk to my wife.'' Announcing his resignation, Premier David Saul said his successor should be "an enterprising, go-ahead individual who would command the respect of the whole Country and win the election''.

The Premier admitted he had a choice for his replacement as party leader -- but declined to reveal it.

He said: "I have a name in mind -- but it's not on the tip of my tongue. My Parliamentary colleagues will have to make up their minds themselves.

"I will not be seen to interfere obliquely or over the table.'' Dr. Saul added that he did not foresee a bruising squabble for the Premiership developing.

He said: "I have a great deal of confidence in human beings and we all learn from our experiences....I don't envisage there will be any schisms of that nature.'' Progressive Labour Party Leader Jennifer Smith she could not speculate on Dr.

Saul's successor.

But she added: "The Deputy Premier Jerome Dill is in line -- he's the person who is in the wings. I'm mindful also that when Dr. Saul won, it was Jim Woolridge who a great majority of the party supported.

"It seems to be obvious that they are going for someone who might be able to counteract the forward motion of the PLP.'' POLITICS PTL