announced that she will not be defending her St. George's South seat for the Opposition at the next election.

At a press conference yesterday Opposition Leader Jennifer Smith announced that the Reverend Dr. Wilbur Lowe and local businessman Arthur Pitcher would be fighting the constituency for the party -- leaving Mrs. Bell out in the cold.

But speculation that she could stand in neighbouring St. George's North with Ms Smith as her running mate continues owing to the uncertain future of sitting MP Jimmy Williams, who has been in hospital for the last six weeks.

Despite newspaper reports that Mr. Williams' condition was improving, Ms Smith yesterday failed to confirm that he would be defending his seat.

Side-stepping the issue she said: "I haven't spoken to his doctor today but I know that he is being visited by a lot of well-wishers.

"As far as I know he's chomping at the bit to get back out there but he is still in hospital.'' Mrs. Bell also remained evasive when questioned about the role she would be playing during the election.

"I am willing to serve wherever I am asked and in whatever way,'' was all she would tell reporters. But she did give the new candidates her full backing.

"I have every confidence that Rev. Dr. Wilbur Lowe and Arthur Pitcher will continue the efforts of the PLP under the leadership of Jennifer Smith to shape a better climate of fairness for women and all other Bermudians, who generally feel an absence of opportunity in Bermuda,'' she said.

Further speculation that Mrs. Bell defected to the PLP because she felt that she was going to be dropped by Government also increased yesterday.

UBP official Ronald Viera refused to deny that there was any truth in the news that party leaders were concerned over Mrs. Bell's standing in the polls and had even asked her son to run for election in her place.

"That is something I would rather not comment on,'' Mr. Viera told The Royal Gazette .

Presenting the new candidates to the media Ms Smith said: "The candidates we present today represent talent, integrity, stability and experience.

"Reverend Dr. Wilbur Lowe comes from a strong and noble family heritage. He brings to the PLP an impressive background in administration, youth intervention, education and both local and international experience.

"His success as a community pastor with a concern for the spiritual as well as social and economic welfare of his charges was well established during his historic tenure as the first Bermudian Pastor of St. Paul A.M.E Church.'' Referring to Mr. Pitcher, the PLP leader said: "He brings to the PLP team a tireless commitment to fight for the interests of his fellow man.

"Also from a strong and noble family background, Mr. Pitcher carried the PLP party banner in the 1993 election. His special interests include youth, sport and small business.'' Ms Smith also confirmed that veteran Southampton East MPs Reginald Burrows and Stanley Lowe would be defending their seats at the next election.

Arthur Pitcher Wilbur Lowe