Former Bermuda Premier named Deputy Speaker

Ms. Jennifer Smith

Saturday, October 18, 2003

HAMILTON, Bermuda: In a surprising move in Bermuda's political circles, former Premier, Ms. Jennifer Smith, who was ousted by her own party, was on Thursday selected as the ruling Progressive Labour Party's candidate for deputy speaker of the House of Assembly, according to the Royal Gazette. 

But the decision must now be ratified by the entire House of Assembly when it resumes on 31st October.

Should Ms. Smith be confirmed, she will become the first female Deputy Speaker of the House. PLP parliamentarians were generally reluctant to say anything on the record when approached about the news, which was leaked by an insider to the broadcast media.

But Former Deputy Speaker, Mr. Walter Lister was frank when asked to confirm the reports, the Gazette said. "We had an election for Speaker. The Speaker was a candidate and I was a candidate and the Speaker was successful," he said. "There was another election from the floor for Ms. Smith and myself as the Deputy Speaker and I declined."

He said the election was conducted cordially and there were no hard feelings towards Mr. Stanley Lowe, the island's current Speaker.

"I've had it for over five years - it's been a very interesting post which I've enjoyed very much and I think it's time to move on," he was quoted as saying, when asked why he declined to contest the nomination.

He agreed that it was widely believed that Ms. Smith was an excellent parliamentarian who would serve well in the post. "I think that's a widely held opinion and I think that's a nice job for her. I think she will do well and I wish her well," said Mr. Lister.

Ms Smith could not be contacted for comment, the paper said.

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