Two telephone company chiefs are hoping to set up a direct line to the Hamilton East constituency.

For new Government Senator Angelita Fox, a marketing chief at Cable and Wireless, and Francis Furbert, a Bermuda Telephone Company manager, are likely to be adopted as the United Bermuda Party candidates for the key seat of Hamilton East at a branch meeting early in the New Year.

Yesterday, Sen. Fox was staying tight-lipped over the prospect of running in the seat currently held by Shadow Health and Social Services Minister Renee Webb and Progressive Labour Party MP turned Independent the Rev. Trevor Woolridge.

Sen. Fox, a political newcomer appointed to Senate in November, said: "I can't give confirmation of that.'' But she added that she would not rule out a shot at a seat in the House of Assembly. She said: "You consider all possibilities -- you can't close the door to anything.'' Mr. Furbert is a veteran UBP candidate in the constituency. In 1993, he came in 84 votes behind Mr. Woolridge's 582 ballots.

Mr. Furbert admitted: "I've given running some serious thought -- I've always felt this is my home territory, but I'm just leaving it up to the branch.'' He added that he would be prepared to quit his job at BTC, where he has worked for almost 40 years, to devote himself to politics.

He explained he was bitten by the political bug years ago while on the road as a telephone repairman.

He added: "I was listening to people's problems and their views on issues and took it from there.'' Mr. Furbert said the main plank of his campaign was a return to traditional family and moral values in a bid to beat the rising tide of violence.

"I also think technical education is a priority for younger people so they can prepare themselves for an increasingly competitive and hi-tech world.'' The two are likely to face Ms Webb and Bermuda Industrial Union president Derrick Burgess, who has already admitted he would like to run.

Mr. Burgess, who ran unsuccessfully in the constituency in 1989, confirmed earlier this month he would stand in Hamilton East if asked.

The vacancy on the Progressive Labour Party side was caused after Mr.

Woolridge resigned the party whip after a Magistrates' Court conviction for sexually assaulting a woman parishioner.

That conviction was later quashed on appeal to Supreme Court. That decision is being appealed to the Court of Appeal.