potential candidates to fight for Madeline Joell's Paget West seat.

And Ms Gordon and party chairman Ronnie Viera called for a gag on Press reports on a successor to Ms Joell "until the appropriate time''.

A statement issued by Mr. Viera on behalf of himself and Ms Gordon said the two were horrified at the speculation.

Mr. Viera said: "We are shocked and appalled at the insensitive political speculation in the media in recent days regarding potential candidates in the Paget West constituency.

"We feel this to be disrespectful in the very least and detracts from the mourning of Madeline's untimely and tragic death and the loss suffered by her family and the community as a whole.'' Mr. Viera added: "We would ask that such political discussion be withheld until the appropriate time.'' DEATH OBT