A UBP meeting on controversial new rules to ensure party unity ended last night -- without unity.

But party members agreed to continue their discussions on Monday at the UBP's Chancery Lane headquarters.

Yesterday's two-hour caucus meeting was held to debate proposed amendments to the United Bermuda Party constitution.

If accepted, the party's Central Executive would have the power to expel a UBP member if "the member is guilty of undesirable conduct or is no longer supportive of the aims and objectives of the Party''.

It would also be able to expel an MP if "the member has voted against the Party whip in the House of Assembly or the Senate on two or more occasions in any one calendar year''.

The so-called "People's Five'' -- UBP rebels David Dyer, Clarence Terceira, Trevor Moniz, Ann Cartwright DeCouto and C.V. (Jim) Woolridge -- have seen the proposed amendments as an attempt to muzzle free speech and a lurch to the right.

Last night, Dr. Dyer said the proposals were completely unnecessary.

"It's like a person going to hospital with a rash, and the treatment advised is a total lung, heart, liver and kidney transplant.'' He added: "We had a broad discussion about the proposed amendments and the meeting adjourned. Nothing was resolved.'' Dr. Dyer said the "People's Five'' were present, along with Premier David Saul and Cabinet members.

The meeting at Chancery Lane, which started at 4 p.m., was chaired by Sen.

Larry Scott. About 50 people attended.

"The People's Five spoke to the proposals, but I wouldn't want to say anything anybody else may or may not have said. That would be tampering on other people's positions.'' Dr. Dyer said he remained optimistic of some breakthrough.

"I'm always an optimist. I think you have got to be in politics. The meeting has been adjourned and it would be hard to predict movement one way or another.

"I can recall several years ago when we had 70 odd meetings to get the Constitution revised.'' Dr. Dyer said the "People's Five'' -- who defied the party whip and backed a controversial anti-McDonald's bill -- were sticking to their guns.

"We feel we have acted on a matter of principle, contrary to the misguided position that is being put about that this is a personal thing.

"We feel the Country has been protected nationally and internationally by matters of principle.'' Dr. Terceira described the meeting as an "open debate''. He said the tone was "pretty good'' and not acrimonious.

"We discussed the merits or otherwise of what the party is trying to do with these amendments.

"Everybody had a different opinion. At the moment no consensus is coming out.'' He added: "I'm still hoping common sense will prevail, but I don't know at this point of time what's going to happen. It's hard to judge.

"We feel we have sufficient disciplinary measures in the branch constitution and don't need any amendments.

"These proposals were put together in haste and ill-conceived. Several people at the meeting also felt they were not necessary. We are all at sixes and sevens at present.'' Dr. Terceira said the next caucus meeting would start at 5.30 p.m. on Monday Deputy Premier Jerome Dill declined to comment.

"You know I can't comment. It was a closed meeting and I hope nobody else is commenting. I'm shocked and disappointed if they have.'' Dr. Saul, meanwhile, has down-played the rule changes, saying caucus was likely to approve them.

"The party's constitution is constantly being changed and there should be no problems with this.

"There is a whole series of amendments being made and this specific one is not retroactive.

"No-one should take it personally -- it's a suggestion which has come forward from party officers and branch chairmen and it's being suggested for discussion.

Earlier yesterday, party rebels met Dr. Saul, Mr. Dill and Public Safety Minister Quinton Edness at Cabinet Office to discuss the proposed Prohibited Restaurants Act.

The Act passed the House of Assembly last session after the "People's Five'' joined forces with the UBP in a bid to cripple former Premier Sir John Swan's bid to open a McDonald's burger joint in Bermuda.

The Act later stalled in the Senate -- but the rebels vowed to reintroduce it in the coming session of Parliament.

Last night, Dr. Dyer said the 90-minute meeting saw a restatement of positions, without a breakthrough.

He said Dr. Saul had not appeared to have made any movement on the issue.

"There was a suggestion of further meetings.'' Mr. Dill declined to comment.