replace incumbent the Hon. David Wilkinson.

Tourism Board member Mr. Terry West and well-known boatman Mark Selley said they plan to throw their hats in the ring with Mr. Tim Smith, who launched an official primary challenge ten days ago.

Technically, Mr. Smith filed his challenge against Mr. Wilkinson's running mate, former Youth and Sport Minister Mr. Harry Soares.

But on Friday, Mr. Wilkinson announced he would not run in the next election.

If all challengers agree to fight for the vacancy created by Mr. Wilkinson's retirement, a primary challenge involving Mr. Soares is unnecessary.

Paget West is one of the strongest UBP districts, and whoever wins the UBP primary is virtually assured of a seat in the House of Assembly.

Mr. Smith, a party youth leader and vice-chairman, said he wasn't fazed by the newly-announced rivals. "I always anticipated other people throwing in their hats,'' he said. "I anticipated that it wasn't going to be just Harry and myself. I was quite sure of that. So my approach hasn't altered in any way.'' Under party rules, a primary must take place within 90 days of Mr. Smith's challenge. Mr. Smith has already begun his door-to-door campaign distributing literature through the constituency, the smallest on the Island.

Mr. Selley, 40, operates a boat trailer business and is chairman of the Water Safety Council. He served for many years on the Misuse of Drugs Advisory Board and has held an annual Christmas party for foster children and handicapped children.

Mr. Selley said a stroke he suffered last year turned his thoughts to politics. "I decided to get myself involved when I was in bed in hospital in Boston,'' he said. "I want to put something into the community that has helped me so much.'' Mr. Selley lives just across the border in Warwick East. But that constituency "has two stalwarts, two Cabinet Ministers, and I wouldn't dream of taking them on.'' "...My chances I figure are as good as the next person. I think I have the one-to-one contact with people that is needed.'' Mr. West, 39, is chairman of the Tourism Board's cruise ship committee which last year made a long list of recommendations on Government's cruise ship policy -- which were swallowed up in the controversy surrounding remarks made by the Tourism Minister.

He is a founder and owner of the Bermuda Montessori School, a founder of the World Rugby Classic and the Advertising & Publicity Association, and was a director of the hospital's CARE campaign. He is the president of the Bermuda Youth Sport Programme that is expected to take over youth sports programmes now run by the US Navy.

"I think it's time to be involved,'' Mr. West said. "I think this country is going to go through a significant period of change. Capable people have to step forward. And the more there are, the better.'' MR. MARK SELLEY -- `I want to put something back into the community.'