Parliament were last night thought to be running neck and neck with just hours left before polls opened.

But some insiders in the two constituencies were last night tipping Bookmart manager and former Women's Advisory Council chairman Kim Young for Paget East and dairy chief Michael Dunkley for Devonshire South.

In Paget East, Government Senate Leader Lynda Milligan-Whyte, former Women's Advisory Council chairman Ms Young and ex-UBP deputy chairman David Sullivan are fighting it out for Sir John Swan's old seat.

And in ex-Premier David Saul's old Devonshire South constituency, dairy boss Michael Dunkley and bank executive turned retaurauteur Joe Gibbons are involved in a two-way tussle.

Paget East UBP insiders admitted the race was too close to call -- but one said the smart money appeared to be getting behind the relative political unknown Kim Young.

Ms Young would be a surprise choice for the nomination for the UBP stronghold, where more than 640 members have signed up to vote.

But it is understood she has been working the constituency tirelessly and it is believed that could tip the balance in her favour.

Against that, Sen. Milligan-Whyte -- who also handles the Women's Affairs portfolio and was earlier tipped as front-runner -- has hands-on political experience and exposure in the front-line of politics, which many might find hard to resist.

Mr. Sullivan, however, is also seen as having waged a highly effective campaign on the doorsteps and by post, targeting hundreds of eligible voters.

He is also well-known across the party from his work at the UBP Central Office.

However, Mrs Young could be seen as part of the new wave -- and uninvolved in the rows which have rocked the UBP over the last two years.

Mrs. Young said in an eve-of-poll statement: "I would love to win -- but if I don't, I've had a wonderful time. I've loved going around seeing people. I've been really pleased -- every single person has been really nice.

"But if I don't win, I'll just continue to do the work I have been doing in the community at another level.'' But Sen. Milligan-Whyte last night said she hoped her Senate record and commitment to the party would "help a great deal''.

She added: "I have certainly enjoyed the whole process. I've enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life and hearing all sorts of different concerns.'' Mr. Sullivan said only hours before polling time: "I think we have a close one on our hands.

"But I'm comfortable -- I've been comfortable with the campaign since the beginning. I don't think there is anything more I could have done in the limited time available.'' In Devonshire South, the party face a choice between local man but political novice Michael Dunkley and experienced UBP insider Joe Gibbons.

Sources close to the fight say Mr. Gibbons has built up an impressive power base among the 850 registered voters in the restricted campaign time available.

Candidates speak out: Page 2 Primaries `too close to call' One insider admitted that the local factor favoured Mr. Dunkley -- but that outsiders had won nominations before.

He said: "It's not unusual -- Colin Benbow did it -- but he had to work really hard over a long period of time.'' But it is believed the short time-scale has handicapped Mr. Gibbons and Mr.

Dunkley's local roots could be too deep to dislodge. But it is accepted in the area that whoever triumphs, it will be a close vote.

Mr. Dunkley said last night: "I'm confident -- I'm always a confident person.

But I'm not going to presume anything until the votes are counted.

"I have been confident from the start and I feel I have a lot to offer. Many of the constituents here know me well -- but I certainly haven't taken anything for granted.'' Mr. Gibbons also was not taking a victory for granted, pledging to stay on the vote-hunt until the last minute.

He said: "I feel confident -- but it's not over yet and I know the Bermudian electorate has the final decision.

"But in canvassing and going around, I've had a very good reception. We've done our number-crunching and it looks good. But you can't assume anything.'' UBP branch chairmen in both branches were yesterday refusing to get involved in speculation over the result.

Paget East's Campbell McBeath said: "As a branch, we are certainly grateful for all the hard work the three have done and it's paid off in terms of membership numbers. We wish all three the best of luck.'' Grace Young of Devonshire South added: "May the best man win -- it's up to the voters now.

"They are both good choices and they have both worked very hard. We will just have to wait and see what happens.'' UBP primary voters in the Paget East contest will be able to make their choice at Paget's St. Paul's Church Hall between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The Devonshire South polls will be open tomorrow from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the new Christ Church Hall, Middle Road, Devonshire.

The Progressive Labour Party is expected to announce candidates to face the primary winners in the May 6 by-elections this afternoon at 2.30 p.m.

Party officials were last night remaining tight-lipped over who would run in the traditional UBP strongholds, but Rolfe Commissiong, who ran in Paget East in a 1994 by-election, and Danny Farias who represented the PLP in Devonshire South in the 1993 General Election, are both said to have been considered.