reports of a looming Cabinet shuffle.

Dr. Saul met Clarence Terceira and C.V. (Jim) Woolridge separately at the Cabinet Office.

And he is expected to meet another United Bermuda Party rebel, David Dyer, today.

The meetings have fuelled speculation that some members of the "People's Five'' group of dissidents could be offered Cabinet posts in a bid to heal deep divisions.

Government sources have tipped Mr. Woolridge, Dr. Terceira and Dr. Dyer for the portfolios of Transport, Telecommunications and Environment respectively.

The three Government backbenchers have made it clear they would seriously consider offers to join the Cabinet.

It is believed Dr. Saul may also look at tinkering with some of the ministries.

A source said yesterday splitting responsibility for the Baselands from the Finance portfolio -- currently held by Dr. Grant Gibbons -- was one option.

"At some point I think it would make sense for the Baselands to be a separate portfolio.

"Obviously that is something only the Premier can decide and I have no idea what his intentions are. I don't think he has yet decided.'' Among those whose Cabinet futures are reported to be in doubt are Youth & Sport Minister Tim Smith and Community and Cultural Affairs Minister Yvette Swan.

A shuffle of Ministers before the February Budget is likely to be high on the agenda of today's Cabinet meeting.

Last night former Tourism Minister Mr. Woolridge confirmed he had met with Dr.

Saul.

"We just discussed various things that are going on within the community in terms of politics,'' he said.

"No decisions or commitments have been made. We had a very frank discussion.'' Former Education Minister Dr. Terceira said: "I just had an informal chat with the Premier, but there were no offers or commitments.

"We chatted about the future of the United Bermuda Party in general. It was an amicable discussion and the beginning of a dialogue.

"I believe we will meet again towards the end of the week. I think he is meeting other people.'' Dr. Terceira has previously stated he would not compromise on his stance against franchises and Independence.

Dr. Dyer, who has not held a Cabinet post, said Dr. Saul had been in touch with him about a meeting.

"I am due to have a meeting with the Premier at the Cabinet office. I suspect it will be to continue our discussion vis-a-vis the Premier's ongoing dialogue with his Members of Parliament. It will be a one-on-one discussion.'' Asked whether a Cabinet post would be offered, he replied: "That is a possibility.'' Government backbencher Trevor Moniz, another member of the "People's Five'', said he had not been approached by Dr. Saul.

The other "People's Five'' member, Ann Cartwright DeCouto, could not be reached last night for comment.

Sources say Dr. Saul runs the risk of appearing weak by making too many concessions to party rebels who backed a censure motion against him in the House of Assembly and were behind the Prohibited Restaurants Bill which seeks to curb franchises.

Dr. Saul has made it clear any shuffle would involve balancing the need for party unity with rewarding loyalty.

"I'm obliged to talk to those who have played as a team,'' he told The Royal Gazette .

One party veteran John Irving Pearman yesterday distanced himself from speculation he may rejoin the Cabinet.

"I am not looking to get back into Cabinet,'' he said.

Premier Saul