And party insiders say some United Bermuda Party wild cards will be added to the party's Ministerial hand in a bid to foster unity.

But it is possible the recruitment of rebels will cause more problems than it solves.

For it is understood loyal Parliamentary soldiers are likely to be furious if the UBP rebels who embarrassed the party are brought back into the fold.

And the leadership is set to lose support if any of the People's Five who sided with the PLP on the McDonalds issue and on a history-making motion of censure against the Premier are rewarded for what is regarded within the party as treachery.

Last night one insider said: "It'll be interesting to see how people react when rebels are brought back in.

"And I think there'll be a few surprises.'' In the frame for Cabinet posts are thought to be C.V. (Jim) Woolridge, Dr.

Clarence Terceira and Dr. David Dyer.

Dr. Dyer is the only one of the three not to have held a Ministerial portfolio before.

Likely to be out in the cold are current Works and Engineering Minister Leonard Gibbons and Transport Minister Wayne Furbert.

But Mr. Furbert could be lined up to replace Sen. Yvette Swan in Community and Cultural Affairs, while Dr. Terceira, a former Works & Engineering Minister, is well-placed to take over that portfolio.

Health and Social Services Minister Harry Soares, who is believed to have signalled a willingness to step down, may also be heading for the back benches.

Current Telecommunications Minister John Barritt -- who has offered in the past to return to the backbenches in the interests of party unity -- is reckoned to have handled the fast-moving world of telecommunications well and is expected to remain in charge as the industry is opened up to more competition.

And one insider has already predicted that Tim Smith would be dropped from Youth and Sport in favour of the portfolio's former holder, Environment Minister Pam Gordon.

The two swapped roles after Mr. Smith's comments on a planning appeal by rebel MP Trevor Moniz were picked up by a House of Assembly microphone left switched on.

A change in Grant Gibbons' Finance Ministry portfolio has also been suggested, splitting the huge responsibility of the Base lands from Finance.

But sources say Dr. Saul runs the risk of coming across as weak if he makes too many concessions to party rebels.

The Premier has made it clear any shuffle would involve balancing the need for party unity with rewards for loyalty.

Dr. Saul could not be reached for comment last night.