Hamilton Deputy Mayor Courtland Boyle is still weighing up whether to run for the top job in next month's City Hall election, he said yesterday.

Businessman Mr. Boyle, 40, has been tipped as likely to take over from outgoing Mayor Sutherland Madeiros after the July 16 vote.

But he told The Royal Gazette he was undecided and still trying to assess his likely level of support. "I can't say at this moment, unfortunately," he said. "I'm still waiting to see how things fall out and what transpires. I have just been canvassing, literally drumming up support, and just seeing what the reaction is."

He said he definitely hoped to become Mayor at some point.

Mr. Madeiros, who has had a tumultuous two-and-a-half years as Mayor, said last week that the Deputy Mayor usually stood unopposed for the post.

But yesterday common councillor Charles Gosling admitted he was considering throwing his hat into the ring. "I'm still in the thinking process," he said, regarding whether he would run for any position. "I'm not sure if I want to do it."

The managing director and vice president of marketing at Gosling Brothers said he planned to give a lot of thought as to "whether to run again for councillor or go up a notch or aim for the top".

He added: "I have really got to see how a couple of things are panning out prior to making a decision as big as that."

Councillor John Harvey said he was unsure whether to run again for his own seat or any other. "My jury is still out," said the chief executive officer of the Bermuda Hotel Association.

"I'm still considering it. There are a lot of things going on. I have just got to make sure I'm being effective at whatever I do and wherever I am."

Kathryn Gibbons, the most senior councillor on the Corporation, said she wanted to stay at City Hall but was undecided as to the role she wanted.

The freelance writer and editor said: "What I can tell you at this point is that I would like to continue my involvement with the Corporation. I'd like to continue to serve but I haven't yet decided in what capacity."

Councillor Glen Smith, an entrepreneur, said he would "absolutely" be running for either an alderman or councillor position but had ruled out a bid to become Mayor.

Alderman David Dunkley, who was told last year he was ineligible to serve due to a problem with his entry on the municipal register but remains a member pending an appeal, said he had no comment on his plans.

He also refused to discuss the appeal, which will have to be heard in court. The other members currently on the Corporation are alderman Pamela Ferreira and councillor Dennis Tucker, who was appointed in February.

Corporation chief operating officer Ed Benevides yesterday urged eligible voters to make sure they are on the municipal register before June 26, when it will be locked down.

Nomination day for the City Hall election is July 9.