Three would-be MPs last night all ruled out taking Bermuda down the path of Independence.

Government Senate Leader Lynda Milligan-Whyte, Kim Young and David Sullivan are vying for the UBP nomination to succeed former Premier Sir John Swan in Paget East.

But in their first public appearance together all three ruled out following in their former leader's footsteps -- with none in favour of Independence.

The admission came during a public meeting at the St. Paul's Christian Education Centre when the candidates spelt out their beliefs and fielded questions from a packed hall.

They focused heavily on national issues including crime, drugs, and the family as well as local policies.

Women's Advisory Council chairman Kim Young spoke first saying her main concerns nationally were drugs, crime, violence and strengthening the family.

She said she believed in free enterprise but wanted to encourage a social conscience and improve national self-esteem.

In Paget East, there was a need to do something about the Post Office, a promised playground and the re-opening of the visitor's centre in the Botanical Gardens.

"We need to keep our Island clean and safe, educate ourselves to bring up our children properly, stamp out crime in all forms and let our Government know that we expect only the best from them.

Paget East candidates all reject Independence "We need to concentrate on an Island-wide parenting programme, give our children the educational tools to lead productive lives without the need to resort to drugs and alcohol,'' she said.

Speaking second, Sen. Milligan-Whyte said a new chapter in Bermuda's history was dawning amidst an area dominated by information technology and the UBP was the best Party to lead the country forward.

On policy, Sen. Milligan-Whyte said there was a need for harsher penalties for crimes -- which the other candidates agreed with -- more drug-free zones and innovative approaches to sentencing young offenders, such as working in drug rehabilitation centres.

She also suggested Island Watch programmes to support the Police, greater support for the youth and making MPs more accountable.

"The major task ahead for the UBP is to clean our Country of the scourge of drugs,'' she said.

In Paget Sen. Milligan-Whyte also called for action on the Post Office and promised to help solve traffic congestion by the Paget lights.

Businessman and ex-UBP deputy chairman David Sullivan, who scotched reports that he backed Sir John over Independence and the McDonald's issue, said there were concerns over education, tourism, race relations, drugs, crime, the family and women's issues.

"Our ability as an Island to stay competitive is linked to an ability to educate ourselves.'' Mr. Sullivan said Bermudians must be "kinder and gentler to each other'', the Island had to deal with crime and "deal with it with authority'' and that "we must continue to support the ideals of the family unit''.