The Premier's future was the subject of fierce speculation on the eve of today's Cabinet and UBP caucus meetings.

While the embattled Hon. Sir John Swan remained tight-lipped, tongues wagged inside and outside the United Bermuda Party.

Health Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness last night said Sir John would probably warn his party critics: "If you have got a problem, I don't have to stick around.'' And Mr. Edness -- a Swan loyalist and Independence supporter -- said he could well follow suit if his leader quit.

"I support Sir John and am not going to stand by and tolerate the way they are talking about him.

"My reading is that most people in this country, especially the blacks, don't like it. They are extremely upset with what people are saying about Sir John, who has done an outstanding job.

"I have spoken today to people who say they are going to vote `yes' in the referendum because of what is happening.'' Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge, for his part, said he was completely mystified by the meetings. "I don't have a clue what they are about. You have got to be Einstein to guess what is going on these days.'' An extraordinary Cabinet session has been called for 11.30 a.m., followed by a noon UBP caucus meeting. It is understood Sir John will make an announcement on his political future following the August 15 referendum on Independence.

Sir John, Premier of Bermuda for more than 13 years, will also meet with the Press at 12.45 p.m. today.

Today's meetings follow the bombshell Sir John dropped at the leaders' debate last week at Cathedral Hall. Government MPs were dumbfounded to learn Sir John had offered the Progressive Labour Party an "olive branch'' on the Independence referendum by endorsing a longstanding Opposition call for single-seat constituencies.

PLP leader Mr. Frederick Wade dismissed the offer, saying Sir John was speaking without authority.

"I was shocked when I heard it on the news,'' said Mr. Woolridge.

And Deputy Premier the Hon. Irving Pearman remarked: "I just love perfect people -- I'm not one. I could goof up and say something. I do it all the time.'' Sir John had made it clear he was expressing his personal view.

Last night, Sir John, whose Independence initiative has split the UBP down the middle and sparked attacks on his leadership, declined to comment on today's meetings. "I'm sorry I can't say anything. I wish I could, but I can't,'' he said, adding people were free to speculate.

One former UBP MP told The Royal Gazette he had quizzed people inside and outside the party about Sir John's intentions.

There was a feeling Sir John could follow the example of British Prime Minister John Major by calling a snap leadership election in a bid to "clear the air''.

"I don't believe he will do this. I think he will probably say that if the referendum vote is `no' he will resign. That way he will be able to build up the theatre before the referendum, and through a combination of pleading and threatening appeal to the people.'' The source added Sir John was still convinced of his own popularity in the Country, and believed people would vote "yes'' to Independence with the possibility of his resignation hanging over them. "It will be one last throw of the dice, one last gamble. I don't believe his popularity is nearly as high now.'' Other options open to Sir John included calling a snap general election, and resigning and trying to hand pick a successor. "I believe what he should do is step down and give his party a few weeks to settle down. It will also give him time to regain some of his dignity.'' UBP backbencher Mr. Harry Soares said he had no idea what the meetings were about.

"There are lots of combinations and permutations. Whatever it is I'm sure the Premier will do the honourable thing. I am sure whatever he does he will do for the good of the Country.''