Smith's South by powering to victory in last night's United Bermuda Party primary.

The Tourism Minister stormed home nearly 90 votes ahead of runner-up lawyer Mr. Trevor Moniz.

Dr. Grant Gibbons, who had mounted a strong challenge, came in third.

He kept pundits guessing until the end, staying in touch with his nearest rival, and losing out by 58 votes.

The final vote tally was: Mr. Woolridge, 445; Mr. Moniz, 358; and Dr. Gibbons, 300.

A victorious Mr. Woolridge said afterwards: "This has been one of the busiest periods of my political life.

"I don't believe I have every worked so hard in the 25 years I have been in politics. I never took the electorate for granted.'' Mr. Woolridge praised his rivals, and described the election as a "good, clean fight.'' For Mr. Moniz, the adopted candidate, it was time for a spot of celebrating with some Portuguese beer.

"I'm really tired. It has been a tremendous grass roots effort over the last few months.

"I think in the end it has all paid off,'' said Mr. Moniz, who has taken up the cause of long-term Portuguese residents.

The scars of defeat were noticably etched on the face of challenger Dr.

Gibbons, whose well-oiled canvassing machine had kept him in the hunt, and earned praise from his rivals.

"Naturally I'm disappointed, but it's been a worthwhile experience,'' he said.

It means Mr. Woolridge and Mr. Moniz will be the UBP's candidates in the next general election.

There were 596 votes cast, and one spoilt ballot.

Turn-out among the 759 eligible voters was high, with a steady number filing to the polls during the afternoon.

The count started at 8 p.m. -- and an air of tension hung around Harrington Sound School until it ended at 9.16 p.m.

A 20-strong group of UBP supporters gathered outside, eagerly awaiting each successive voting update.

Returning officer Mr. Tim Smith, the successful UBP candidate in Paget West, stepped into the glare of TV lights with the latest news every 100 votes.

It was clear from the early results Mr. Woolridge would be the front runner.

After the first 100 votes, the split was Mr. Woolridge, 74; Mr. Moniz, 66; and Dr. Grant 48.

The order wouldn't change, but no one was prepared to stake too heavily on the runner-up.

Executive officer of the UBP, Mr. Joe Gibbons, said tactical voting would be a decisive factor.

The process of "plumping'' -- in which constituents could use their two votes for one candidate -- would be critical.

"There is no doubt it will play an important part,'' said Mr. Gibbons.

He estimated there were 22 plumpers in the first 200 votes cast, although the exact figure overall was impossible to gauge.

Among those awaiting the results were Mr. Woolridge's sister Mrs. Patsy Wilson, and his sister-in-law Mrs. Cynthia Johnson.

"We are here to provide moral support. The votes are going just as we expected. We felt Jim would win from the beginning,'' said Mrs. Johnson.

UBP supporter and Smith's South resident Mr. David Tavares put the high turn-out down to the hard work of the candidates.

"None of them sat on their laurels. I welcome the primary. It's good for people to have the chance to pick their candidates,'' he added.

TIME TO MAKE UP -- Dr. Grant Gibbons acknowledges the victory of the Hon. C.V.

(Jim) Woolridge and his election running mate, Mr Trevor Moniz, in last night's Smith's South primary.