Party stronghold.

A chance of a UBP loss, after unbroken loyalty since 1968, is one reason election watchers are looking to the far east of the Island.

Another reason is that one of the biggest local issues -- the future of the US Base -- is also one of the biggest nationally.

Also on voters' minds are parochial issues like a better bus service -- a grievance that dates back to the last election and before.

Government MP Mrs. Grace Bell, who has held her seat since 1985, is the only veteran of the previous poll standing this time.

Replacement for the retired Mr. Sidney Stallard is Mr. Richard Spurling, who beat Mrs. Bell 308 to 271 in a primary.

Ms Cheryl Pooley, whose NLP came a healthy third last time, has promised to work four days a week as an MP if elected.

The PLP's Mr. Arthur Pitcher is the only candidate who lives in the constituency.

The district may be dominated by St. David's. But it includes varied areas like Tucker's Town, Coney Island and Ferry Reach.

Mrs. Bell said last night: "We may not really call it a stronghold any more because the district has changed with the passing of a lot of the party stalwarts.

"We're looking on this election as being different. But all in all there's a solid UBP vote.'' Mrs. Bell sees the base as the big issue, with voters pleased by the Premier's lobbying. Unemployment, particularly among the young, also looms large, she said.

The organist at St. Luke AME church, she believes her record on local issues is good, pointing to the re-paving of Sofar Lane as an example.

Mr. Spurling's family have local links going back to 1850. He lives just over the border, in St. George's North.

He too sees the Base as issue number one. If elected, he said, he would push for local needs to be included in Government thinking on the Base, and for land released by the US to be used for locals, maybe for recreation.

The economy, unemployment and youth are other issues for him. Ms Pooley is a former PLP candidate in Pembroke West Central. Like Mrs. Bell, she lives in Hamilton Parish.

She feels residents are not impressed with Mrs. Bell's record in the House.

"But I don't think they want a drastic change. They want something middle of the road.'' She believes Bermuda should shoulder responsibility for many services now performed by the base. She emphasises health, social services, women's issues and the environment, including the long-standing issue of smoke from the base dump.

The PLP candidate's credentials as a born and raised St. David's Islander were highlighted when he was announced.

"I feel I must work to protect my children and Bermuda's children,'' he said then. "I see the PLP as the right party to bring justice and a better way of life to all Bermuda and not only a few.'' St. George's South: Candidates Mrs. Grace Bell, 52, cleaning firm managing director (UBP); Mr. Arthur Pitcher, 42, building contractor (PLP); Ms Cheryl Pooley, 33, office manager (NLP); Mr. Richard Spurling, 47, corporate attorney (UBP).

Electoral hall: St. David's Primary School.

Electorate -- 1,448.

1989 election Mr. Sidney Stallard (UBP) 530; Mrs. Grace Bell (UBP) 522; Mr. Custerfield Crockwell (NLP) 342; Kenneth Burgess (PLP) 186; Mr. Michael Harvey (Ind) 119.