Former Premier Jennifer Smith put out a statement yesterday explaining why she intervened to support current Premier Ewart Brown when MPs tried to force a leadership vote.

Some Progressive Labour Party insiders were shocked and even angered to see Dame Jennifer defend the man who had helped organise her downfall.

She was forced out five years ago after MPs, led in part by Dr. Brown, rebelled against her immediately after she had led the PLP to its second election victory, in 2003. It followed an attempt in 2002 by MPs to remove her as leader. The vote was tied nine to nine, promises were made and she remained in power for another year before a post poll putsch.

In a written statement sent to the media she said yesterday: "While I do not condone or agree with airing internal party issues in the media, (I have decided to do so) in order to ensure that the young people of Bermuda are in no way given the impression that I, Dame Jennifer Smith, believe that 'the end justifies the means' or that 'any means necessary' are appropriate strategies to employ when aiming for a goal.

"My position should be clear to anyone who knows me. If the method tried in 2002 and again in 2003 against me was wrong then it is wrong now when employed against Premier Brown."

Dame Jennifer added: "I cannot say that something is wrong when it applies to me and then agree with it when it is turned on someone else. "I amended a motion to discuss the issue of leadership to ensure that it will be just that… a discussion, in keeping with the provision that members of the Party are free to put items on the agenda for discussion."

The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party has, and has always had, constitutional provisions allowing for dissent and for change, said Dame Jennifer.

"Parliamentarians are not superior to any other party member; and, in fact, are (or should be) answerable to their branches and the members and constituents who put them in office."

Next Wednesday MPs and Senators will debate the leadership issue but the PLP hierarchy have stressed that only a delegates' conference can change the leader.

Dame Jennifer's rare public statement has again fuelled speculation that she has been offered the Speakership of the House as part of a deal to help prop up the Premier.