Premier at a United Bermuda Party caucus meeting today, The Royal Gazette has learned.

Sources said he and Delegated Affairs Minister the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto were the only candidates nominated.

And Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto, who has been Deputy Premier for nearly five years, said yesterday she would not let her name stand for the position.

She said she wanted to spend more time with her law practice, her family, and in her constituency of Pembroke West Central. "I'm taking a pit stop for a short period of time,'' she said.

Mr. Pearman expressed surprise yesterday when told that he was nominated. "I don't know,'' he said when asked if he would let his name stand.

"Tomorrow will take care of itself.

"I have no comment on any appointments at this time.'' Mr. Pearman, who is seen as a possible successor to Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan, is expected to have a smooth ride in being named Deputy Premier. But today's election of a new Speaker to succeed the Hon. David Wilkinson, who retired, is seen as more contentious.

The Speaker's chair had been readied for Parliamentary veteran the Hon. Sir John Sharpe, who unexpectedly lost his seat in Warwick West on October 5.

With Sir John out of contention, Deputy Speaker Mr. Ernest DeCouto is the most obvious choice. But there has been a strong move in recent days to instead name Government Whip Dr. David Dyer to the Speaker's chair.

Mr. DeCouto has been Deputy Speaker since 1989 and is given the edge over Dr.

Dyer on knowledge of Parliamentary procedure. But there are concerns among some caucus members about whether he would be evenhanded enough to keep order in the House.

Mr. DeCouto said he would accept the Speaker's chair if elected. So did Dr.

Dyer, who has been Government Whip for eight years. He travelled to London for courses in Parliamentary procedure in 1986 and 1990.

The Hon. Irving Pearman.