PLP backbenchers have reacted with dismay to the firing of Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson.

But Jennifer Smith loyalist Delaey Robinson says the leader will now bide her time in seeking a permanent replacement.

And one senior insider said Jennifer Smith will promote non-threatening candidates while ensuring critics are ousted from their seats.

PLP backbencher Derrick Burgess said the axing of Mr. Hodgson as Minister of Environment was unfortunate.

He said: "That's the Premier's style I guess but one has to ask if that is the style that is suitable for Bermuda. Only time will tell.

"Bermuda is very unique and sometimes things that work in bigger countries don't work here, that's why one has to question whether that style is suitable for Bermuda.

"It's an unfortunate reaction. You have to be very careful when one does those things regardless, because of Bermuda's size and the closeness of the people, you have to be very careful.

"There is a lot of talent in Mr. Hodgson. I would hope to see that talent used. You don't see that talent in a person everyday.

"When you get a group of people together you can get differences of opinion.

I believe that's healthy -- you come to a consensus, that's what normally happens.

"It might not be what you as the leader want but that's the way things are done, that is democracy.'' Asked if backbenchers would rally around Mr. Hodgson, Mr. Burgess said: "I don't really know what will happen. My concern is the unity of the party.'' PLP MP Randy Horton said: "I am disappointed because I wanted Mr. Hodgson to be in the Cabinet. He's a valuable guy. Why the Premier did this you would have to ask her.

Backbenchers dismayed "I was hoping this wouldn't happen but the Premier is the Premier and she has the decision to make.

"He had a pointed vision and was hardworking. I thought he was doing a fine job. But some people would say that the fact that he ran means he should have resigned so obviously there's reason for moving him from Cabinet. This decision is not going satisfy everyone. I just hope it will not damage unity in the party.'' Asked if he would consider the post Mr. Horton said: "I would take any job offered to me, I am in support of the party.'' Dale Butler said Mr. Hodgson's resignation was expected under Cabinet collective responsibility and the Premier wasn't being vindictive by making this move.

But he said: "However, they might have had a heart to heart, put it behind them and moved on.'' Mr. Robinson said he hadn't been surprised by Mr. Hodgson's sacking. He said: "The Premier waited for him to do the honourable thing and offer his resignation.

"She felt that under collective responsibility the Premier has to be able to trust colleague. He had lost that trust by challenging her for the leadership.

That is normal.

"I think it's probable that people who aspire to cabinet will now have to mind their p's and q's.

"The Premier will be looking for someone who will be loyal. She will bide her time until she's satisfied there is someone she can invite.

"I don't think there is a problem seeking names. I think there is a strategy by the looks of it.

"If she does hang off and wait it gives those aspirants time to prove their worth by showing obvious loyalty.

"It's obviously a difficult job to be constantly watching your back. If there are people you can trust then those sorts of people are likely to be selected.'' Mr. Robinson said the timing of Mr. Hodgson's challenge was unfortunate as Ms Smith had only been in two years and it was too early to judge her. The Royal Gazette pointed out that Ms Smith had actually welcomed the challenge.

Mr. Robinson said: "I don't think she did encourage the challenge. As I recollect she said that she would not be surprised, that politicians are ambitious and there is likely to be a challenge at some point.'' Mr. Robinson said he doubted whether discontented backbenchers would now rally round Mr. Hodgson though he admitted communication with backbenchers and the Government was a new problem for the party to tackle.

But a senior PLP insider said Mr. Hodgson would be a focal point for discontent but would be most unlikely to stand again.

"The backbenchers supported him from the start, they preferred his leadership style and are disappointed this action had to be taken.

"But he will have been in the wilderness for two years -- he won't have been in Cabinet so he won't know what's going on. Whoever puts their head up will be decimated.'' The source said further challenges would be stifled by putting pressure on the nomination committee.

"Anyone deviating will be severely dealt with.

"No one will enter the Cabinet who possesses any kind of leadership skills.

She will pick the weakest members or those who have no ambition. "Now there will be an even bigger move to consolidate power. They will decide who runs in the new boundaries, they will make it very clear to the branch nominating committee.

"Jennifer Smith is a Margaret Thatcher-type figure. When she speaks that's it. Her opinion matters not the minions.

"Anyone suspected of supporting him will be out of power or if you are seen to deviate even slightly from the party policy.

"It will make it very difficult to have any meaningful discussion when you have to live under that threat.'' However, the source said further backbench rebellion was highly unlikely.

"There is nobody capable of challenging, There is nobody still a threat.'' The source said Dr. Brown had ruled himself out of the top job after two failed bids for the deputy leadership, including last week's defeat by the incumbent Finance Minister Eugene Cox. He said: "Eugene Cox made a long rambling speech but still got more votes than the Premier.'' Backbencher Wayne Perinchief said Mr. Hodgson had been good at his job. He said: "I don't believe he will do anything to hurt party unity.

"In the rough and tumble of politics when you challenge someone you expect to get some reaction. It's about how she feels about the challenge. Whether she can work with him.'' And Mr. Perinchief said it might spark a further Cabinet reshuffle.

He said: "She may think it's an expedient time to do that.'' Mr. Perinchief said that as a semi-retired person he had more time to devote to politics than most and would consider the Environment brief. He said: "I would consider anything that comes along. Anyone in politics is hoping to serve if given the opportunity. Otherwise it would be a bit pointless to run.'' And he dismissed claims that the backbenchers would not step into Mr.

Hodgson's shoes out of disloyalty to the popular ex-Minister.

He said: "The party has our deep loyalty, we are not hung up on personalities. You stick to the party line. I am surprised to hear that view.''