intentions -- and potential General Election wild card Kenny Bascome has figured in the calculations.

The telephone canvassing in St. George's North -- understood to have been carried out by United Bermuda Party pollsters Penn & Schoen -- is a clear sign that Government is on the verge of going to the Country.

Voters were asked to give opinions on five candidates -- including Progressive Labour Party maverick Mr. Bascome, who could declare himself as an Independent candidate.

Mr. Bascome quit the PLP in a row over the selection of Deleay Robinson over him as party leader Jennifer Smith's running mate.

The PLP duo face golf pro Kim Swan and ex-oil company executive Bob Stewart, who are lined up to run for the ruling United Bermuda Party.

Mr. Robinson was picked to replace the late Leon (Jimmy) Williams, who died earlier this year.

Earlier this week, he dismissed Mr. Bascome -- a Corporation of St. George's councillor with a strong local base -- as a serious threat.

And Mr. Robinson said voters would not vote for Mr. Bascome because it would, in effect, be a vote for the UBP because it would split the Opposition vote.

But any major dent in support for the PLP in the constituency could leave Mr.

Swan in a good position to pick up a seat, splitting St. George's North between Ms Smith and himself.