Concerns and kudos were expressed at the ruling Progressive Labour Party's (PLP) annual symposium over the weekend.

And, say some of the attendees, anxiety over Tourism Minister David Allen's health put a damper on the proceedings.

"We were all very mindful of Mr. Allen and prayers were said before every session on his behalf," said the party's acting spokesperson Walter Roban.

He added that the conference which had as its theme "shared destiny", left members with a "positive sense of purpose and a feeling of readiness of what lies ahead".

The three day retreat, held to prepare for the upcoming parliamentary year, started Friday with a stirring presentation by historian Ira Phillip ended yesterday with a rallying call by Premier Jennifer Smith to the more than 50 people in attendance.

Mr. Roban said that the Boundaries Commission electoral reform report, the 2002 Budget and initiatives on how to improve media relations were discussed.

"You will soon see more co-operative efforts between party and Government in getting information out to the media and the community," he said.

"I think it (symposium) was timely and that members benefited from it," said backbencher Dale Butler.

Asked whether those in attendance had left feeling energised and more united, given widely publicised concerns about the party's leadership, Mr. Butler said : "I think it was a start. I think there was probably less concern for leadership than for Mr. Allen which put a little damper on things."

Mr. Allen returned to the Island Saturday after spending a week in Boston's Lahey clinic for treatment for an undisclosed illness.

"I got the feeling that we have got a lot of work to do. But my preoccupation is not the past. My preoccupation is October 11 (the date set to debate the Boundaries Commission electoral reform report)," Mr. Butler said.

Sen. Calvin Smith said that while "there were certainly people very concerned" about Mr. Allen, the mood would have been a lot more sombre had it been a gathering for just parliamentarians.

"But at the symposium the non parliamentarians get to speak on a variety of things.

"That's what a symposium is about - talking about things that concern us."

He said the symposium is a good opportunity to get a sense of what is concerning the party's membership the most.

The availability of affordable housing was one topic of concern, he said, but not the controversy surrounding the Bermuda Housing Corporation.

"If they were concerned about the scandal I didn't hear anything about it. There were also some accolades - people were very pleased with the direction of the Transport Ministry."

Sen. Smith and backbencher Delaey Robinson added that sessions focused on the future and not on leadership issues.

"We don't think there is a leadership issue," said Mr. Robinson. "The leadership issue is mainly in the minds of a few individuals and quite frankly that's what you will see is the case as time goes on. It's not something that bothers the grassroots party members."