CASTRIES, St Lucia – Prime Minister Stephenson King appears to have staved off an internal revolt that threatened to divide his party and force the island into an early general elections.

Disgruntled United Workers Party (UWP) parliamentarians had said that if Minister of Economics and Planning Ausbert d'Auvergne was not removed they would side with a planned opposition motion of no confidence in the government to topple the King administration.

But following talks on Wednesday, there were reports that a compromise was reached which will be announced by the prime minister in coming days.

Sacked Minister of Foreign Affairs Rufus Bousquet who, along with Deputy Speaker of Parliament Marcus Nicholas led the criticism of the government and the prime minister, told reporters that the talks went well.

"It gives me every hope that the focal point of the United Workers Party existence, namely the whole concept of unity and work has been enhanced today. It was a cordial and respectful meeting and we made a tremendous amount of progress," Bousquet said.

He added that all parties recognised the prime minister's constitutional powers and gave him the latitude to do what he thought was best.

"The prime minister needs time to assess what was discussed and to make certain firm decisions, and when he does he will be the best person to give the details, which we expect to hear in the very near future," Bousquet added.

The former minister declined to confirm or deny reports that he would be back in the cabinet or that the prime minister had given a commitment to fire d'Auvergne.

King also refused to comment on those claims.

"I don't know anything about that," he told reporters.

Wednesday's discussions, involving cabinet members and officials of the ruling party and facilitated by former Vincentian prime minister James Mitchell who is visiting the island, were initiated by King against the background of four of the 12 UWP parliamentarians threatening a revolt if d'Auvergne was not removed from the Cabinet. (CMC)