Cynical observers of the political scene might be questioning the health of the political parties judging on their candidate selection.

The UBP snapped up numerous former PLP supporters to fight winnable seats while the PLP has been forced to ask retiring candidates to stand again.

The Opposition have former PLP member Kenny Bascome running in St. George's North while former PLP and NLP member Jamahl Simmons was elected to the House in the Pembroke West by-election in 2002 and is standing again in that area.

And former PLP supporter Gerald Fubler takes on Finance Minister Eugene Cox in the Sandys North district with youth facilities a strong part of his campaign.

Mr. Fubler told a press conference he withdrew his support from the PLP because he had been disillusioned by a lack of Government action on youth issues, despite Sandys already having three community centres.

Asked if Mr. Fubler might not be tempted to switch again if the UBP didn't deliver, party leader Grant Gibbons said not everybody who changed party felt the need to change back again.

He pointed to the example of Maxwell Burgess who had been a strong supporter of the PLP but since coming to the UBP had remained loyal.

"I don't think there has ever been a question about whether Maxwell Burgess would cross the floor of the House.

"It takes a great deal of guts and courage to change political allegiance and I don't think people do it lightly."

He said the electorate would take a very dim view of anyone tempted to change for a second time and stressed the candidates were taking part in decision making, not merely getting on the bandwagon.

Neville Darrell was appointed to the Senate just months after joining the party and is now a candidate in Warwick West.

Asked about the speed of the promotion compared to long-standing members Dr. Gibbons denied the party was panicking.

He said new candidates such as Jon Brunson, Gwyneth Rawlins and Kenny Bascome were grounded in their communities while Neville Darrell had a varied background, working with prisoners, problem children, as a Labour Relations Officer and then in the Attorney General's chambers.

He said Mr. Darrell could not have got involved in politics earlier because he was a civil servant and it was difficult to get candidates who could balance politics with work and family.

Some hopefuls had long wanted to be politicians but didn't bring a lot to the table, said Dr. Gibbons.

And other candidates were paying their dues by taking on difficult seats such as Scott Hunter, Christian Dunleavy and Rocky Fox. He said the PLP were desperate for candidates, something which had been admitted in so many words by Rev. Wilbur (Larry) Lowe.

"I suspect people don't want to be associated with a government which hasn't delivered on its promises over the last five years," said Dr. Gibbons.

Backbencher Arthur Pitcher announced he wanted to retire and then publicly said he would run again in St. David's if a suitable candidate wasn't found. However Danvers (Danny) Seymour was then selected.

Mr. Pitcher's former running mate in the former constituency of St. George's South, Rev. Lowe announced his retirement only to end up standing in Hamilton West after saying the party was "desperately looking for a candidate".

Backbencher Delaey Robinson, who was elected in St. George's North in 1998, indicated he would not run again, only to turn up as Grant Gibbons' opponent in the UBP stronghold of Paget East. Dr. Gibbons said Mr. Robinson's candidacy was another desperate measure.

"I think Delaey is doing them a favour quite frankly."

At first Premier Jennifer Smith's former running mate denied the party was having difficulty finding candidates, adding: "I am pretty close to the source."

He told The Royal Gazette: "If it was possible for me not to run again I would have stepped aside but the party said we might need you."

Asked why he was still needed Mr. Robinson said there were a number of people retiring and that it made sense for a rookie to stay on. "I would not expect Dame Lois Browne-Evans to stay on."

Questioned why there were not more new candidates wanting to cut their teeth in difficult seats Mr. Robinson said in Bermuda the Senate was often the route for aspiring politicians.

And he said in an Island of 62,000 people, it was a challenge for both parties to find experienced candidates who had held responsible posts and had public appeal. He said the UBP were going to end up disappointed with what he termed their "marginal candidates".