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With the PLP's Annual General Conference looming, questions arise on whether Premier Dr Brown should be replaced as Party Leader, and if so by whom.

Dr. Brown has been pumping the idea that he should be judged by the results. I am reminded that in one of his first acts as Premier, Dr. Brown appointed Rolfe Commissiong as his Race Commissar (RC). One result, after almost two years of his efforts, was the National Heroes Day event where, according to the RC, of 1,000 attendees only about 7 were white - that's less than one-tenth of 1 per cent. That's a big reduction on the 2-5 per cent of white support the party claimed at the last election. In other words, race relations have not only not improved, they may have gotten worse.

You'd have thought the RC would have some humility and acknowledge the failure of his Big Conversation to make a dent in cross-race attendance, particularly for an event billed by the government as its crowning example of "nation-building". Instead, the RC attempted to blame it on white racism. This has been the problem with the Big Con all along: it has been less than a conversation and more of an ongoing harangue intended to guilt-trip the white community.

Spin and deception

It fits with the spin and deception that has been a hallmark of Dr. Brown's Premiership where:

• An inquiry means the facts will be suppressed or hushed up;

• An investigation means no questions will be asked;

• Freedom of speech means, "You'd better shut up if you know what's good for you";

• Transparency means the things you want/need to know will be hidden;

• Consultation means, "We'll tell you what we decided";

• "We're listening," means you will get a lecture or a scolding, or both;

• Clearing out the bureaucracy (as at Education) means adding to it.

No doubt there are some in the PLP who delight in Dr. Brown's ability to manoeuvre around the rules in the process of getting "results". Some, however, are finding this penchant for manipulating events worrisome. Some are also finding his tendency to mislead the masses a liability because no one is immune, even his closest associates.

I can imagine that the more discerning PLP members will have realised that while Dr. Brown is a good showman, the show may be over. The question will now be, 'who would be the best replacement'?

Of the top contenders, Randy Horton has ambitions, but other than the rough shoving tactics that did well on the football field he has little of leadership that I can admire. Nelson Bascome is a survivor but I think his extra-curricular activities will deny him the support he would need. Derrick Burgess is not a thinking man's leader. He doesn't carry the kind of baggage of, say, Ottie Simmons, but neither is he anywhere near as charming.

Dale Butler once declared his intention to be Premier but now says he's happy at what he is doing. His tendency to rant whenever criticised and to turn virtually every utterance into a scolding lecture would make him a risky choice.

Dame Jennifer Smith and Alex Scott each have their good and bad points. Either could take the reins in a pinch. Neither is likely to throw their hat in. Dame Jennifer likes controlling things and has the speakership in her sights. Alex has made leadership challenge noises but decisiveness has not been his strong point - it is a skill that can be learned/boosted, however.

Terry Lister is interested, I've heard, but his religious fundamentalism makes him a scary choice. Paula Cox has pedigree, and seems the best choice despite exhibiting some insecurities and a tendency to use far more words than what she is actually saying.

The remaining MPs seem too new, too old (politically) or too encumbered with baggage. In any case, replacing the current leader requires a premeditated challenge. Final question, "Is there one bold enough?"

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