Premier Ewart Brown says attempts to oust him are more personal than political after his leadership came under fire at a meeting of Progressive Labour Party MPs and Senators last night.

It’s understood backbenchers Wayne Perinchief and Randy Horton raised the issue but colleagues blocked any possible vote to oust Dr. Brown as leader at the weekly caucus meeting.

Only about half the 27 possible attendees were there when the issue was raised, apparently to the surprise of the Premier and some of the other attendees.

Asked for his reaction at a press conference today Premier Brown said: “I can’t dismiss this situation.

“But I would just ask people to remember that so far it appears this is more personal than political.

“There are three people said to have been a part of this effort. And all three have something in common — I either removed them from Cabinet or I defeated them in an election.”

The Premier then hurriedly left the podium before further questions could be asked.

One MP told The Royal Gazette that a decision might be reached at next Wednesday’s caucus meeting although some party stalwarts will argue the issue should go to a special delegates’ conference and others think the stand-off could rumble on all summer.

Both Mr. Perinchief and Mr. Horton refused to comment when contacted today.

* Full story in tomorrow’s Royal Gazette