THE challenge for the leadership of Bermuda is unlikely to be a walkover, according to political commentator Walton Brown.

He said Ewart Brown brought a list of record accomplishments as Transport and Tourism Minister while Premier Alex Scott could point to three years of economic stability.

Mr. Brown's comments came only hours after the Deputy Premier resigned and officially announced himself as a candidate, ending months of speculation that he was gunning for the top spot.

"Dr. Brown obviously is a charismatic individual who has a record of accomplishments as Minister of Transport and Tourism, therefore he presents himself as a strong candidate at the Delegates' Conference.

"No one knows the collective mindset of the delegates ? and that's where the power resides to provide Dr. Brown with the leadership.

"The public sees Dr. Brown as someone who's effective, who gets things done, but there are a number of things people reflect on ? there's timing, there's a number of factors.

"Mr. Scott was elected in 2003. Under his leadership Bermuda has enjoyed economic buoyancy. It is socially and politically stable. Both have their supporters."

The two will face off at the Progressive Labour Party's Delegates' Conference this month.

A recent poll by Research Innovations indicates that Dr. Brown already has the public's support.

As reported by , 54 per cent of people questioned believed him "very effective", 35 per cent of voters said he was "somewhat effective" or "very effective" while only nine per cent viewed him as "somewhat ineffective" or "very ineffective".

In comparison, only 34 per cent of people who participated in the poll said they approved of Mr. Scott. Forty per cent said they did not approve of the way the Premier was doing his job.

According to Mr. Brown, a third candidate could throw a spanner into the politicians' plans.

As revealed by the September poll, the only Minister to score highly in public opinion aside from Dr. Brown was Finance Minister Paula Cox.

Sixty per cent of people questioned thought her "very effective", 29 per cent said she was "somewhat effective" ? a mere nine per cent doubted her ability to handle the economy.

"It's uncertain whether anyone else will enter the race, if so it would create an entirely different scenario," the political commentator offered.

He said he did not think Dr. Brown's chances would be affected by his initial insistence that he would not contest the Premiership.

Although always candid regarding his interest in the role, the former Tourism and Transport Minister repeatedly denied he would challenge Mr. Scott this year.

In July he told the : "I have no intention of seeking the leadership at this year's conference and I hope that one day I will qualify. I said I have no intention of challenging for the leadership at this time and that whenever, if I ever change my mind and decide to, then the Premier would be the first person to know."

Said Mr. Brown yesterday: "His initial statements that he would not seek the leadership ? I truly believe it was an honest intent. I think he meant it when he said it but things change rapidly and people have to be flexible.

"They have to take advantage of opportunities as they come. It doesn't speak to his credibility but to politics ? that things change quickly.

"He said that he would step away from his position as Minister. That's entirely appropriate for him to step down. It shows the seriousness with which he is pursuing the role. He's saying he would retire should his attempts not be successful.

"It speaks to the man ? he has accomplished all he can as a Minister and he would like to lead. Failing that, there's nothing in public service for him to do at the political level. Here's someone who wants to stay. Who wants to be a leader."

Mr. Brown refused to be drawn as to which challenger might prove successful, saying that as a researcher, he preferred to comment on collected information.

"It's difficult to call at this point. Both individuals have different styles of leadership. Now that the Premier is faced with a contest, I think we will see him presenting himself in different ways than he has done to date. He won't sit back passively. I expect him to rise to the challenge."