Popular MP Dale Butler is considering running for Premier — but suspects core Progressive Labour Party members will turn him down because of his liberal views.

The former Culture Minister says many of his beliefs — such as the need to stop beating up on whites — go against the principles which have made Premier Ewart Brown very popular in some quarters of the PLP.

He believes Deputy Premier Paula Cox remains favourite to replace Dr. Brown when he steps down in October this year, with former Energy Minister Terry Lister said to be another strong candidate.

"They don't like the idea of liberal me," Mr. Butler told The Royal Gazette.

"On the one hand, where I have a lot of support, very often that support is non-party people."

Mr. Butler said ideas which would count against him when the PLP delegates pick their replacement for Dr. Brown include:

• working more closely with Governor Sir Richard Gozney and respecting the constitutional relationship with Britain;

• reconsidering the advertising ban with The Royal Gazette;

• inviting experienced United Bermuda Party or Independent MPs onto his Cabinet;

• asking hotel bosses to take the lead in rejuvenating tourism.

The most recent Royal Gazette poll showed Mr. Butler is the most popular of 12 well-known MPs, with a favourability rating of 74 percent, compared to 70 percent for Ms Cox and less than 35 percent each for the other ten politicians.

He told this newspaper that his name keeps cropping up in the party and on the streets as a potential new Premier, and he is now canvassing grassroots to assess his support. But he conceded: "There's a number afraid because I do believe in law and order; I respect the constitutional relationship with the British Governor; I would work closer with the Governor.

"I would consider the ban with The Royal Gazette, if The Royal Gazette agrees to drop its printing of anonymous letters, I wouldn't have a problem on opening the door for advertising.

"They don't like that. They like the way the Government was very successful in shutting down the Mid Ocean.

"When the UBP were in they were so badly damaged they hate the UBP. In hating the UBP they hate white people.

"I would not have a problem asking John Barritt or Wayne Furbert to join my Cabinet. They don't like that."

On race, he said: "We are losing a lot of good white people who have heard the message. We don't have to keep rubbing it in their faces. There's no need for us to keep beating up on them. The past is the past.

"People do not like me saying that. Dr. (Eva) Hodgson, Rolfe (Commissiong): they are using this victimology, which young people don't agree with at all."

He said the focus should be on improving education, increasing scholarships and setting up more classes, adding: "That's why I lose the ten voters that I need to become the leader."

Race has been a major part of Dr. Brown's agenda; immediately after becoming Premier he appointed race activist Mr. Commissiong to set up the Big Conversation, and has regularly spoken of the need for whites to feel uncomfortable.

The Premier's four-year term as PLP leader comes to an end in October but, even though he has repeatedly stated his intention to step down, some party members have been distributing flyers asking him to stay on.

Mr. Butler said: "I'm not surprised in that there's a group that love the fact that Dr. Brown will not step down to any issues with regard to race. Whether he's right or wrong, they like the way he says what he says. "They like the fact he's been extremely strong in some areas and keeps bouncing back. There are people who say that's what they want. Anyone who stands up to Front Street and white people."

Mr. Butler quit Dr. Brown's Cabinet in the immediate aftermath of the failed motion of no confidence last June. He had demanded the Premier make a public apology for the Uighurs affair, and resigned when Dr. Brown only said sorry during an angry speech blasting his critics.

Since then, Mr. Butler has not spoken publicly about his decision to quit, but looking back he said: "I have nothing bad to say about him personally or professionally."

He said his main concern was that the Premier had overstepped the constitution and described the lack of consultation with Cabinet as the icing on the cake.

However, he praised Dr. Brown's handling of Cabinet meetings, saying that contrary to reports Dr. Brown is not a dictator and lets everyone have a say.

"In the bigger meetings, people have been able to say what the hell they want. He hasn't shut them up. The PLP used to have a history of shutting people down," he added.

And he said the Premier had rapidly pushed through projects such as FutureCare, Day Care and Mirrors.

"I enjoy the time I had working with the Premier," he said. "The Premier never tried to steal my thunder, he was always very helpful to me. I learnt a lot about leadership. I just feel, other than over the Uighur issue, once he made the assessment he would go, that's the end of it."

Mr. Butler said he could work well with Ms Cox if she wanted him as her number two and saluted her keen business sense and lack of skeletons in the coffer. However he said some in the party had expressed concern of her overwhelming support for Dr. Brown, while another PLP source commented: "Ms Cox has lost some of her shine and glamour over recent months, primarily I think because of her perceived failings over some of the things Cabinet and the Premier have done, particularly with regard to spending."

That party member described Mr. Butler as a well-liked hard worker, but said he is not widely perceived as a strong leader.

The source suggested Mr. Lister has shown an interest in the past but does not have particularly high public standing, while a long shot could be Derrick Burgess, who led the Bermuda Industrial Union and may feel he can lead the Country.

Other names mentioned to this newspaper include Randy Horton, who previously ran for deputy, and former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith, who is now said to be more interested in the Speaker role.

The source said: "None are like a real outright choice. That says probably that some of the people that might be best to lead aren't even in the picture. They're not even in politics."