A would-be politician who was wiped out in Paget East for the Progressive Labour Party is set to run again -- but not necessarily for the Opposition.

For in a shock move, portfolio accountant Craig Walls could run in St.

George's South for the ruling United Bermuda Party.

It is understood that the sharp-suited, new wave candidate for the PLP in the May by-election in the UBP stronghold of Paget East could change horses in time for a General Election.

Mr. Walls has had talks with Premier Pamela Gordon and Opposition leader Jennifer Smith.

And he has also discussed his situation with St. George's South MPs Government Whip Rick Spurling and UBP MP Grace Bell -- who has already signalled a desire to quit politics.

Mr. Walls, who lives in St. George's, confirmed last night: "I aim to run in St. George's South -- at this point I am not going to disclose which party I am going to run for.

"I have had lengthy discussions with both party leaders and they have both expressed an interest in my representing their party.'' But he added he would leave it up to the voters of St. George's South as to where he could best serve their interests.

Mr. Walls said: "I'm just going to see what their feelings are towards me as a candidate. At the end of the day, it's up to the voters.'' He added: "I will be talking to the voters and in due course I will disclose their wishes.'' Mr. Walls -- who impressed as a candidate during the Paget East contest -- was clearly shocked when he gathered just 38 votes. His tally represented 5.5 percent of the votes.

That was one less than PLP firebrand Rolfe Commissiong picked up at the previous by-election in 1994 and only one more than UBP maverick Sandy Frith-Brown, who stood against Mr. Walls and winner Kim Young on an Independent Unfettered Bermuda Party ticket.

Mrs. Young took a massive 87.8 percent of the 676 turnout from a possible 1,229 voters in Paget East.

At the time of his defeat, Mr. Walls said the constituency was not representative of Bermuda as a whole.

And he added that he had not been impressed by anything that Kim Young had said during her campaign.

Yesterday Mr. Walls said his decision to consider a change of tack came through disillusionment with the "polarisation of the voters in Bermuda.'' If Mr. Walls jumps ship, it will be a major slap in the face for the Opposition, which has been keen to promote a younger, more business-friendly image.

Opposition PLP leader Jennifer Smith last night said: "I have no comment at this time.'' Mr. Walls, 35, a successful businessman and father-of-two, was described by The Royal Gazette in the run-up to the Paget East by-election as an excellent candidate in the wrong constituency.

He impressed with his reasoned, middle-of-the-road and commonsense approach to politics, with a strong emphasis on the young, education and the environment.

But he never stood a chance on the PLP ticket in a contest for the seat formerly held by ex-Premier Sir John Swan, although the scale of his defeat came as a surprise to many.

He said just before the by-election that fears over how the PLP might govern -- especially in relation to international business -- were "scare tactics driven by the UBP.'' And he added: "Any sound political group realises that they have to appeal to everyone.'' He also admitted that he would "definitely'' be interested in a run in St.

George's South, although after his landslide defeat he said he was re-considering involvement in politics.

The PLP are understood to be likely to run local man Arthur Pitcher, who came a close third to Mrs Bell at the last general election, and Rev. Larry Lowe of the Richard Allen AME Church in St. George's South.

Premier Pamela Gordon could not be reached for comment last night.

Craig Walls