anonymous critics by defending his right to run in Paget West.

Mr. Smith answered the Alpha Omega group by spotlighting his work in the community and the UBP. And he declared he was happy to open himself to public scrutiny.

This contrasted starkly with the Progressive Labour Party where the party executive -- and not the people -- undemocratically picked candidates, he said.

The critical anonymous pressure group is made up of concerned UBP members.

Last week it attacked UBP chiefs for promoting candidates who were "slick pinstripe types with questionable motives, and no empathy with most Bermudians''.

Singled out with Mr. Smith were fellow Paget West hopeful Mr. Terry West, Smith's South primary challenger Dr. Grant Gibbons, and UBP approved candidates Sen. Wendell Hollis, Sen. Jerome Dill, and Mr. David Doyle.

The criticism brought a strong defence of the party's candidate selection process from the Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan.

Yesterday Mr. Smith also struck back, labelling the Alpha Omega group's comments misleading.

"To ignore them would only provide credibility to their remarks. After all, silence is often construed as consent.

"If indeed Alpha Omega were merely emphasising that prospective candidates must earn the right to run for public service, then their opinion is valid and appropriate.'' Mr. Smith said many Paget West voters were aware of his long involvement in the UBP, the community, and constituency.

"I trust they agree that I have in fact earned the right to run.'' Mr. Smith went on to list his community work, including helping to found the Ord Road/Spring Hill Against Drugs group, and organising annual kite festivals at Horseshoe Bay.

He added he had served three years in the Bermuda Regiment, formed the official youth arm of the UBP, Young United Bermuda, and helped found the Leaders of Tomorrow group.

Mr. Smith said he had also been vice president of the Keep Bermuda Beautiful campaign and served on the National Trust.

Mr. Tim Smith.